2027: Alake presents Adebutu as trusted governorship candidate to Egba Traditional Rulers Council

*Says son of a lion resembles lion

*I am offering myself for service and pledging not to disappoint you,vIf elected – Adedibu

*Our government, if elected, will prioritize inclusive governance – Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo

By KEMI KASUMU and OUR REPORTER, Abeokuta

Oladipupo Adebutu, a truly blood-of-the-soil without iota of Indigeneship controversy, was accompanied by his running mate, Dr. Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo; the party’s Ogun Central Senatorial candidate, Iyabo Obasanjo; Ogun PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella; and other party leaders.

The Ogun State’s traditional way of recruiting its political leadership appeared to have taken shape with clear direction to take in 2027 with a declaration Sunday July 19, 2026 by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, when he endorsed the governorship candidacy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Oladipupo Adebutu.

The retired Army officer-turned monarch, while presenting the candidate amidst struggle by many across political parties, described Adebutu as a “trustworthy and reliable” leader capable of governing Ogun State.

Oba Gbadebo gave the endorsement at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta, while receiving Adebutu and other leaders of the PDP during a visit to the Egba Traditional Council to seek royal blessings ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Oladipupo Adebutu, a truly blood-of-the-soil without iota of Indigeneship controversy, was accompanied by his running mate, Dr. Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo; the party’s Ogun Central Senatorial candidate, Iyabo Obasanjo; Ogun PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella; and other party leaders.

Addressing the gathering, Oba Gbadebo recalled his decades-long relationship with Adebutu’s father, renowned businessman and philanthropist, Sir Kensington Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, saying his generosity and integrity had earned him lasting respect.Government.

The monarch narrated how Sir Kensington single-handedly purchased a building to serve as the permanent secretariat of a social club after members struggled to raise funds.

According to him, the elder Adebutu instructed members to keep their contributions and personally paid for the property.Politics

Drawing parallels between father and son, the Alake said Oladipupo Adebutu had demonstrated similar qualities of character and generosity.

“The son of a lion must resemble the lion. In fact, he is an even better version of his father,” the monarch said.

Presenting the PDP governorship candidate to members of the Egba Traditional Council, Oba Gbadebo declared, “I am pleased to present Oladipupo Adebutu to all of you as a man who is trustworthy and reliable.”

He prayed for the success of Adebutu’s political ambition, expressing confidence that the governorship hopeful would not regret seeking to lead the state.

Speaking during the visit, Adebutu pledged to grant full financial autonomy to the 20 local government areas if elected governor, saying the move would accelerate grassroots development.

He accused successive governors, irrespective of political affiliation, of withholding or diverting local government allocations, insisting that councils performed better when they had direct access to their funds.

“It’s not a party thing. Both APC and PDP, all the governors are embezzling local government allocations. It’s not a secret,” he alleged.

The PDP flag bearer said he remained committed to institutional reforms that would strengthen local governance and improve service delivery.

Adebutu also highlighted his record as a former member of the House of Representatives, saying he served without being implicated in corruption.

“I was at the National Assembly twice and I can boast that I didn’t embezzle public funds. How many politicians can say this?” he asked.

On infrastructure, he promised to pursue alternative financing models instead of depending heavily on loans, while pledging to construct strategic roads linking Ogun communities with Lagos to boost economic activities.

He also identified electricity as a major priority, promising to partner with private investors to improve power supply across the state.

According to him, stable electricity would stimulate businesses, reduce production costs and create employment opportunities.

Adebutu further claimed that he had donated more than 600 electricity transformers to communities across Ogun State, insisting that access to electricity remained one of the most effective forms of economic empowerment.

“I can say categorically that I have distributed more transformers to communities across the state than the government has done,” he said.

He maintained that once installed, the transformers became the property of the electricity distribution company and available for public use.

Presenting himself before the traditional rulers, Adebutu said he was offering himself for service and pledged not to disappoint the people if elected.

Earlier, the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, said the state had witnessed little meaningful development under the All Progressives Congress administration.Maps

He expressed confidence that Adebutu possessed the capacity and vision to reposition Ogun State, particularly through the implementation of local government autonomy.

Also speaking, the PDP deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, appealed to the people of Egba Land to support the party’s ticket, assuring the traditional rulers that an Adebutu administration would prioritise inclusive development and uphold its commitments to the people.