JAPA syndrome: Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Aide Allegedly ‘Denounces Nigeria’ to Claim Refugee Status in Canada
A political storm is brewing in Ogun State following allegations that an aide to the Executive Governor Dapo Abiodun, has reportedly denounced Nigeria in a bid to secure refugee protection in Canada,...
A political storm is brewing in Ogun State following allegations that an aide to the Executive Governor Dapo Abiodun, has reportedly denounced Nigeria in a bid to secure refugee protection in Canada, while allegedly still drawing salary from the state government.
Sources within the State Civil Service disclosed that the aide, Emmanuel Ojo, Senior Special Assistant, New Media is being discreetly discussed in government circles as he is currently listed on the payroll as an executive staff member attached to the governor’s office.
The development has triggered outrage among political observers and members of the public, who describe the situation as a troubling example of the growing “Japa” wave as the mass emigration trend among Nigerian professionals and youths seeking opportunities abroad.
According to insiders familiar with the matter, Ojo is believed to have allegedly presented claims portraying Nigeria in negative terms as part of a refugee application process in Canada.
The alleged refugee claims typically require applicants to demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country.
A senior official who requested anonymity said, “What is disturbing is the contradiction of someone still officially serving in government while allegedly telling foreign authorities that Nigeria is unsafe for them.”
Attempts to independently verify the status of the alleged refugee claim were ongoing as of press time. Canadian immigration authorities do not publicly disclose details of individual asylum applications due to privacy rules.
However, critics say the optics alone raise serious ethical and administrative questions for the Ogun State Government, particularly regarding payroll integrity and public service conduct.
Public affairs analysts noted that if the allegations are confirmed, the situation could amount to a conflict of interest and potential breach of public service rules, especially if the official failed to formally disengage from state employment before relocating abroad.
The issue also underscores the intensifying pressure of Nigeria’s migration wave, popularly dubbed ‘Japa,’ which has seen a surge of skilled workers and public servants relocating to countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
The aide who has left the country before the second tenure of the governor allegedly continued to stay in Canada and paints a grim picture of life in Nigeria; claiming persecution, insecurity, and lack of opportunities; ironically while linked to one of the country’s most prominent governors.
Critics are calling it hypocrisy of the highest order: slamming the nation that paid the bills, all to chase “a better life” elsewhere.
Governor Abiodun’s administration has yet to issue an official comment on the alleged explosive claims, but the story has sent shockwaves through the state Capital and beyond.
As many questions are mounting: How many other aides or officials are quietly “on leave” abroad while ghost-working on state funds? Is this the new face of ‘Japa’ among the elite?
As investigations continue, this juicy saga exposes the glaring contradictions in Nigeria’s brain drain crisis: even those closest to power are jumping ship.
When contacted, officials close to the Ogun State Government declined formal comments, stating they were not yet briefed on the matter.
For now, the controversy continues underground but growing debate within political and diaspora circles.
