Residents of Ijebu North Local Government in Ogun State have raised serious accusations against their Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleging he used armed military personnel to intimidate them during a recent visit. The constituents have vowed to petition the senator for what they term an abuse of power and military formations.
The outcry emerged amidst dissatisfaction with the senator’s empowerment programmes. One constituent, Oluranti Amoke, told our correspondent: “We are the people who voted for him, and he is running away from his duties. He is only concerned with Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is working perfectly well. Instead of empowering his voters, he is busy casting shadows.”
The sentiment of alienation was echoed by others, who noted that many in the constituency are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and opposition groups, referencing the senator’s recent suspension by his ward.
A female youth, Abosede Arinola, criticised Daniel’s approach, stating, “Other senators in Ogun State are carrying APC members along, but Senator Daniel is only interested in empowering opposition and fighting with the governor. Most of the projects he plans are substandard and not in the best interest of our community.”
She further accused the senator of constantly “dropping President Tinubu’s name as if he doesn’t have people who run APC in Ogun state, local government, and the wards.”
Military Leadership Acts, Launches Investigation
In a related development, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has queried the Commanding Officer of the Sappers Barracks in Ilese-Ijebu. This followed reports that soldiers were deployed to provide security at Senator Daniel’s political rally in Ijebu-Igbo last Saturday.
The query was routed through the Ogun State Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Godwin Nwamba. Preliminary reports suggest the soldiers were allegedly procured through a retired Brigadier-General, Okunowo, described as a close associate of Daniel who acted as a “fixer” for the event.
Brigadier-General Nwamba confirmed to Premium Times that he initiated an investigation upon receiving a complaint, as providing security for political gatherings is a task for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), not the military. The battalion commander reportedly claimed the soldiers seen were on routine patrol, not specifically deployed for the rally. The military hierarchy is currently investigating this claim.
Military sources indicate that retired Brigadier-General Okunowo is alleged to have improperly used his former rank to influence the barracks’ command—an act described as a gross abuse of privilege.
A Pattern of Conduct and Condemnation
This incident is not the first time Senator Daniel has been linked to the questionable use of state institutions for political gain. A top Ogun State politician, speaking anonymously, labelled the act “reckless and desperate,” adding that it portrays a willingness to “drag the military into the mud simply to massage his ego.”
The source lamented, “While the armed forces are stretched thin fighting banditry, terrorism, and threats to national security, Daniel believes soldiers should abandon national duty to play bodyguard at his political gatherings. How much more unpatriotic can a public official be?”
They concluded that the senator’s conduct represents “a shameless assault on democracy, military ethics, and national interest—an outrageous abuse of state power that must not go unpunished.”
As the community’s anger simmers and the military probe unfolds, the spotlight remains on the senator’s response and the outcome of the Defence Headquarters’ investigation.
