Abeokuta – In a shocking turn of events, Adekunle Akinlade, the former running mate of Ladi Adebutu, has launched a vicious verbal assault on his erstwhile principal, describing his defeat in the 2023 governorship election as a “calamity averted” for the people of Ogun State.

Addressing journalists in Abeokuta on Saturday, Akinlade, who ran alongside Adebutu on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket, claimed that his former partner lacks the mental capacity and temperament to govern the state. He alleged that Adebutu’s actions are impulsive and childish, likening him to a “2-year-old child in a 62-year-old man’s body.”

Akinlade’s scathing remarks come on the heels of the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Governor Dapo Abiodun’s victory in the disputed election. The PDP candidate had challenged the result, but his legal bid was ultimately unsuccessful.

In his address, titled “Divine Power of Prayers That Averts Calamity,” Akinlade recounted an anecdote about an imam who prayed for the PDP campaign team, asking God not to grant them victory if it would bring sorrow and backwardness to the state.

Akinlade also questioned Adebutu’s decision to announce his intention to re-contest for governorship in 2027, just hours after the Supreme Court quashed his case against Abiodun. He argued that Adebutu, who hails from the same hometown as Abiodun, should not vie for the seat his kinsman will be vacating in 2027.

In response, Adebutu’s media aide, Afolabi Orekoya, dismissed Akinlade as a “petty and terrible ingrate” who is clutching at straws like a drowning man. Orekoya vowed that Adebutu’s camp would not engage in Akinlade’s “pettiness” but would respond appropriately at the right time.

The bitter exchange marks a significant escalation in the feud between Adebutu and Akinlade, who were once allies in the PDP. Their falling out has exposed deep-seated divisions within the party, raising questions about its prospects in future elections.