Ogun governorship: Alake delivers verdict on PDP’s Adebutu

By Adejoke Adeleye/Ogun

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2027 Ogun governorship election, Oladipupo Adebutu, as a trustworthy and reliable leader.

The monarch made the declaration on Sunday while receiving Adebutu, his running mate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, PDP leaders and supporters during a courtesy visit to the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.

Presenting Adebutu to members of the Egba Traditional Council, Oba Gbadebo praised the PDP standard bearer for his character, pedigree and commitment to public service.

“I am pleased to present Oladipupo Adebutu to all of you as a man who is trustworthy and reliable. May God continue to stand by you,” the monarch said.

The Alake also paid glowing tribute to Adebutu’s father, renowned businessman and philanthropist Sir Kesington Adebutu, recalling his generosity and contributions to the development of Egbaland and Nigeria.

Sharing a personal experience, the monarch narrated how Sir Kesington single-handedly purchased a permanent secretariat for a club to which they both belonged after members had struggled to raise the required funds.

“The son of a lion must resemble the lion. In fact, he is an even better version of his father,” Oba Gbadebo declared, expressing confidence in Adebutu’s leadership qualities and offering prayers for the success of his governorship ambition.

Speaking during the visit, the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella, said the palace visit formed part of Adebutu’s statewide consultations with key stakeholders ahead of the 2027 election.

Tella criticised the state of local government administration under the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that despite increased allocations to councils, grassroots development had remained stagnant.

According to him, an Adebutu administration would prioritise local government autonomy, restore effective governance at the grassroots, and ensure that councils deliver meaningful infrastructure and basic services to residents.

Adebutu’s running mate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, appealed to the people of Egbaland to support the PDP ticket, assuring them that the party would not betray their confidence if elected.

Former presidential adviser and PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, also endorsed Adebutu’s candidacy, describing him as a visionary leader with the political will to transform Ogun State.

She said her decision to join the PDP was based on her conviction that Adebutu possesses the capacity to implement policies that would improve the lives of Ogun residents.

Obasanjo further urged traditional rulers and the people of Egbaland to rally behind the PDP, insisting that the party has assembled the strongest political team in the zone ahead of the 2027 governorship election.