By Olalekan Shoyinka
It was with a mix of amusement and concern that I read the recent statement credited to Hon. Abayomi Tella of the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In it, he accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of deliberately excluding Ogun West and the Ijebu axis of Ogun East from hosting the ongoing National Sports Festival. Such a claim, unfortunately, falls flat under scrutiny and reflects a worrying trend of opposition for opposition’s sake.
It is both acceptable and necessary for opposition parties to hold the government accountable. Democracy thrives on robust and constructive criticism. However, for an opposition to be relevant and respected, its interventions must be grounded in fact, logic, and genuine concern for the public good—not sensationalism or divisive rhetoric.
The premise of Hon. Tella’s criticism—that all zones of the state must serve as hosts—is simply unfounded. Across the world, it is standard practice for events such as the National Sports Festival to be hosted in one or two major cities or venues, not across every division or municipality within a state or region.
Historical context supports this. When Nigeria hosted the 2nd All-Africa Games in 1973, only Lagos was used. The 1980 Africa Cup of Nations was hosted by Lagos and Ibadan—both in the South-West—even though a Northern president was in office. Abeokuta and Kaduna hosted the 1998 African Women’s Championship. This is not unusual; it is practical and logistical.
In 2006, Ogun State—under a PDP government led by Otunba Gbenga Daniel—successfully hosted one of the most acclaimed best editions in the history of the National Sports Festival. Then, just like now, the key venues were Abeokuta and Ijebu Ode. No one cried foul or accused the government of regional bias. Why now?
Rather than stoking unnecessary controversy, the PDP in Ogun should focus on real issues. The welfare of the athletes, transparency in the budgeting for the festival, and the infrastructure legacy it leaves behind are worthy of inquiry. How is the state managing the funds earmarked for the festival? Are our athletes being treated fairly? These are legitimate areas for constructive opposition engagement.
Furthermore, the PDP should train its focus on broader governance matters. What is Ogun’s current debt profile? How transparent is the administration in managing local government funds? Are their members in the State House of Assembly performing their oversight duties effectively?
If the PDP is serious about regaining the trust of the electorate and making a return to power in 2027, it must rise above petty, unsubstantiated claims and become a responsible voice for the people. That begins with putting ego aside, fostering unity within its ranks, and articulating clear, fact-based alternatives to the policies of the current administration. Ogun people deserve a serious opposition—not just an echo chamber of grievances.
Olalekan Shoyinka (Ayinla Egba) is a broadcast journalist and Politician based in Abeokuta.
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