The Senatorial Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Chief Sunday Sowunmi, has distanced himself from the decision of his son, Hon. Olarenwaju Ebenezer, popularly known as LASEM, to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that the move was made without his support or involvement.
Speaking at a press conference held at his residence on Tuesday, Chief Sowunmi said his son acted independently and should bear full responsibility for the political decision.
“My son is on his own,” the APC chieftain said. “As an adult, he has the right to make his own political decisions, but I made it clear to him that I do not support his move to the PDP. I remain firmly committed to the APC.”
LASEM, who serves as Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Agriculture, reportedly resigned his membership of the APC on Monday and joined the PDP. His defection comes shortly after his sister, Mrs. Oyeyemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, emerged as the PDP deputy governorship candidate.
Chief Sowunmi emphasized that his son’s action does not reflect his own political stance, insisting that his loyalty to the APC remains unwavering.
“That is his personal decision, and it does not constitute any change in my own political position. I will never be with the PDP. My commitment to the APC is unchanged,” he stated.
The veteran politician also dismissed insinuations that he played any role in the emergence of his niece, Mrs. Sowunmi-Kolapo, as the running mate to the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu.
According to him, neither the deputy governorship candidate nor her father, who is his elder brother, consulted him before the nomination was announced.
“I want to be sincere with everyone. The nomination was never discussed with me. Neither she nor her father informed me about it. People may assume I was involved because we are family, but that is not the case,” he said.
Chief Sowunmi further reaffirmed his support for Governor Dapo Abiodun and the APC administration, noting that he has enjoyed a cordial relationship with the governor and sees no reason to abandon the party.
“At this stage of my political journey, I have no reason to leave the APC. The governor has treated me well, and I remain committed to the party and its ideals,” he added.
Also reacting to the development, APC Chairman in Abeokuta South Local Government, Hon. Henry Fagbenro, said the party leadership was not consulted before LASEM’s defection.
“He took the decision on his own. His father remains a respected and disciplined leader within the APC. We remain solidly behind the party and its leadership in Abeokuta South,” Fagbenro said.
He added that the party would verify reports of other defections but maintained that the APC remains strong and united in the local government area.
The development has generated reactions within the state’s political landscape, especially given the family ties between key figures now occupying different political camps ahead of the next electoral cycle.
