Deborah Akinyosoye
The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced strong disapproval over what it describes as the deliberate exclusion of the Ogun West Senatorial District from hosting any part of the upcoming 22nd National Sports Festival, the Gateway Games 2025. The party also expressed concern over the minimal involvement of the Ijebu axis within the Ogun East Senatorial District.
In a statement titled; Ogun PDP Blasts Governor Dapo Abiodun Over Exclusion of Ogun West and Ijebu Zones, the State PDP Chairman, Chief Abayomi Tella, condemned the development, stating, “This deliberate omission by the APC-led administration under Governor Dapo Abiodun, not only reeks of regional bias, but further deepens the lines of marginalization, division, and inequality in a state that ought to thrive on unity and inclusiveness.”
Tella lamented that not a single event has been slated for any of the five local government areas in Ogun West. “It is both shocking and unacceptable that no event is scheduled to take place in any of the five local government areas of Ogun West — Ado-Odo/Ota, Yewa South, Yewa North, Ipokia, and Imeko-Afon while only hockey is billed to be hosted in the entire Ijebuland, which constitutes a major part of Ogun East Senatorial District. This is despite the fact that existing facilities such as the Ilaro Stadium and Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode are readily available and were productively utilized in past editions of the Games.”
He went on to highlight a more inclusive precedent set by a previous administration, stating, “We recall with pride the inclusive model adopted by the PDP government of His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, during the 2006 Gateway Games, where all zones of the state (including Ogun West and Ijebu) were fully represented as hosts, ensuring a genuine sense of belonging across the state.”
Criticizing the current administration, Tella added, “Today, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, we are witnessing a troubling regression where only Abeokuta and his native Remo axis are the sole beneficiaries of massive infrastructure upgrades and state-funded sports investments, while entire regions with strong sporting heritage are treated as afterthoughts.”
The PDP further questioned the state government’s rationale behind the selection of venues and called for accountability, asking:
“Why are Ogun West and Ijebu zones deliberately sidelined?
Why are existing stadiums in Ilaro and Ijebu-Ode ignored despite their suitability?
Why does the Abiodun administration persist in prioritizing one zone at the expense of others?”
Highlighting the disparities in infrastructure funding, Tella noted, “It is on record that millions of naira has already been disbursed to sports associations, and extensive infrastructural developments are ongoing at the MKO Abiola Stadium and other venues in Abeokuta. Yet, nothing has been earmarked for facilities in Ogun West or the Ijebu axis, a move that grossly undermines the ideals of fairness and balanced development.”
He also called out the silence from key figures in the affected areas, stating, “Even more troubling is the silence of political leaders, traditional rulers, and community influencers from these affected regions. The PDP challenges them to speak up now, not as partisans, but as defenders of the dignity and interests of their people.”
Reaffirming the party’s stance, he declared, “Let it be clear: The Gateway Games should be a symbol of unity, not a tool for political exclusion. Any attempt to reduce it to a parochial affair serves neither the youth nor the future of Ogun State.”
He concluded with a call to political awareness ahead of the next elections: “As we look ahead to the 2027 general elections, the people of Ogun West and Ijebu must take note of who stands with them in moments of injustice and who stands aside.”
“The PDP remains unwavering in its commitment to building a truly inclusive Ogun State, one where governance is anchored on justice, equity, and respect for all regions.
The people of Ogun West and the Ijebu zone deserve more and they will not be silent.”