Ogun Government Rebukes Arabambi, Labels Housing Sale Claims ‘Blackmail’

The Ogun State Government has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations by Labour Party chieftain Abayomi Arabambi that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration is selling government-owned housing assets, including land in the Ibara Government Reserved Area (GRA). The Government dismissed the claims as deliberate blackmail and reckless defamation.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, described Arabambi as an attention-seeking rabble‑rouser whose accusations were motivated by resentment after he was reportedly kept at arm’s length by the administration.

Akinmade stated that the allegations were misleading and intended to misrepresent the State’s urban renewal efforts.

The Government explained that what Arabambi characterises as the sale of public assets is in fact part of a comprehensive urban renewal programme aimed at transforming deteriorating Government Reserved Areas into modern, vibrant smart cities.

According to Akinmade, the initiative has garnered commendations from eminent Nigerians including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and Pastor Tunde Bakare.

The urban renewal programme covers GRAs in Ibara and Idi‑Aba in Abeokuta, Igbeba in Ijebu‑Ode, Ilaro, and Ota. It includes the rehabilitation of old structures, construction of new housing units, and provision of modern infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water supply, and electricity.

The project spans more than 100 hectares, with plans for 500 housing units in Ibara and 100 in Idi‑Aba, and over 150 houses already completed, the Government said.

Akinmade also alleged that Arabambi had previously held several press conferences praising Governor Abiodun in an effort to gain favour with the Government, but became hostile after reportedly being sidelined.

He emphasised that GRAs are Government property, and that responsible administrations typically replace dilapidated structures with modern developments, which he said is exactly what the Abiodun administration is doing.

The statement urged the public to disregard Arabambi’s assertions, describing them as politically motivated and lacking seriousness, and criticised his focus on attacking the Government rather than strengthening his own party.