In an unexpected twist, Adekunle Akinlade, the former running mate of Ladi Adebutu, launched a fierce verbal attack on his former ally, describing his loss in the 2023 governorship race as a “blessing for the people of Ogun State.”

Speaking to reporters in Abeokuta on Saturday, Akinlade, who contested alongside Adebutu under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner, accused his former colleague of lacking the capacity and temperament to govern the state.

He claimed that Adebutu’s behaviour is reckless and immature, comparing him to a “child trapped in a grown man’s body.”

Akinlade’s harsh comments follow the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Governor Dapo Abiodun’s election victory. The PDP candidate had challenged the outcome, but his appeal was ultimately rejected.

In his speech, titled “Divine Intervention That Prevented Misfortune,” Akinlade shared a story about an imam who prayed for the PDP campaign, asking for a loss if their victory would cause hardship for the state.

Akinlade also criticised Adebutu’s announcement to run again in 2027, made shortly after the Supreme Court dismissed his case against Abiodun. He argued that Adebutu, being from the same town as Abiodun, should reconsider running for a position that his fellow townsman will leave in 2027.

Adebutu’s spokesperson, Afolabi Orekoya, dismissed Akinlade as an “ungrateful person” who is desperately grasping for relevance. Orekoya promised that Adebutu’s team would not stoop to Akinlade’s level but would respond in due time.

The exchange marks a significant escalation in tensions between Adebutu and Akinlade, once allies in the PDP, and highlights internal conflicts within the party, raising concerns about its future electoral prospects.