2027: Adebutu woos Ogun traditionalists, promises LG autonomy

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has sought the prayers and support of traditionalists and elders in Egbaland ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Adebutu made the appeal on Tuesday when he visited the Oloje traditionalist community in Abeokuta as part of his engagements with stakeholders across the state.

The PDP candidate, who was accompanied by members of his political team, assured the traditionalists that his administration, if elected, would promote accountability, peace and prudent management of public resources.

He said, “I am assuring the people that if we are supported to be at the helm of affairs in the state in 2027, our government will prioritise accountability and prudent management of our collective resources.

“We shall put the people first and we will deliberately pursue rapid development from the grassroots. Therefore, we shall ensure that the funds meant for each local government are released to the councils for effective administration and rural development.”

Adebutu, who described himself as a devoted Christian, said his faith did not prevent him from recognising the role of traditional institutions and practitioners in promoting peace, unity and harmony in society.

Speaking at the gathering, the PDP House of Representatives candidate, Toyin Amuzu, urged residents to vote for the party at all levels, saying the PDP had demonstrated its commitment to the development of Abeokuta and Ogun State.

Amuzu cited the provision of a transformer to the community as one of the interventions facilitated by PDP members, while lamenting what he described as inadequate attention to electricity challenges in some parts of Abeokuta.

He said, “Someone who can extend a hand of fellowship to you will continue to extend it to you. Someone who cannot extend their hand to you will not give you anything. Please, let us vote for the PDP.”

Amuzu also urged the electorate not to be swayed by money shared during elections, warning that accepting such money could have consequences beyond election day.

“Do not let them give us money on election day and ask us to go and cook soup, only for us to suffer for another four years. We will not suffer anymore, by God’s grace,” he said.

Also speaking, the Akinfiwatolu of Egbaland, High Chief Mustapha Adulakeem Owolabi, urged the traditionalists and residents to support what he described as a new political movement capable of securing greater representation and attention for Egbaland.

Owolabi called on the people to reject political manipulation and place the interests of Egbaland at the centre of their decisions ahead of the 2027 election.

“Collect their money and vote for Ladi Adebutu,” he told the gathering, urging residents to exercise their franchise according to their conscience.

The chief maintained that the people of Ogun State should have the freedom to determine who governs them, adding that the government must reflect the aspirations, interests and identity of the people.

In his remarks, one of the traditional elders, Olawale Akanbi, Ọmọlẹ́gbẹ́, said the Oloje community received Adebutu primarily to offer him prayers and blessings for his political journey.

According to him, the ballot remained the major instrument through which the people could determine their leaders.

He said, “The reason we received him as a guest is that we, the ‘Oloje’, want to offer him our prayers and blessings, so that the prayers will be answered and he may reach his destination.”

Another elder, Chief Gbenga Adesina, Ojediran Fajegbinro, described Adebutu’s visit as a significant recognition of traditional religion practitioners as stakeholders in society.

Adesina said the traditionalists were pleased that Adebutu had reached out to them after engagements with other religious groups, including Christians and Muslims.

He said, “They met with the Pastors, and they met with the Imams. And they also recognised the practitioners of the Isese religion. All of us together make up the community.”

Adesina subsequently declared his support for the PDP candidate, saying the traditionalists would support politicians who recognised and engaged with them.

“It is whoever comes to seek us out that we will support. Honourable Ladi Adebutu came to meet us right now, so he is the one we see. All our votes, he is the one we will cast them for,” he said.