Adebutu Ogun Leadership receives praise from Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who describes the PDP candidate as trustworthy and reliable ahead of 2027
Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu received praise from the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, on Sunday, as the traditional ruler described him as a trustworthy and reliable politician during a visit to the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.
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Adebutu visited the palace alongside PDP leaders and candidates to seek the support and blessings of the Egba Traditional Council ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
The delegation included Adebutu’s running mate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, PDP Ogun Central senatorial candidate Iyabo Obasanjo, Ogun State PDP Chairman Abayomi Tella, and other party figures.
Oba Gbadebo linked his positive assessment of Adebutu to his long relationship with Adebutu’s father, businessman and philanthropist Sir Kensington Adebutu, whom he praised for his generosity and commitment to community.
The monarch recalled how Sir Kensington Adebutu supported members of a social club they belonged to by personally funding the purchase of a permanent secretariat after members struggled to raise enough money.
“The son of a lion must resemble the lion. In fact, he is an even better version of his father,” Oba Gbadebo said.
The traditional ruler formally welcomed Adebutu to Egbaland, describing him as a figure with qualities he believed were important for public leadership.
“I am pleased to present Oladipupo Adebutu to all of you as a man who is trustworthy and reliable. May God be with you and continue to stand by you,” the monarch said.
Responding during the visit, Adebutu promised that, if elected governor, his administration would prioritise local government autonomy and ensure councils had direct access to their statutory allocations.
“I will do something that will stun this nation and put us in the right direction. Local governments shall get their own money,” Adebutu said.
The PDP candidate, who previously served in the National Assembly, defended his record in public service and said he had never misused public funds.
Adebutu also criticised governors across political parties over the handling of local government finances, alleging that councils had suffered from poor access to their resources.
“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.
Beyond governance reforms, Adebutu outlined plans to improve infrastructure, electricity supply and economic opportunities in Ogun State.
He argued that governments should explore alternative financing models for development rather than depending heavily on borrowing.
He also pledged to improve road links between Ogun and Lagos and attract private sector partnerships in the power sector.
Adebutu said he had donated more than 600 electricity transformers to communities across Ogun State as part of his personal interventions in improving electricity access.
“Because I believe with electricity, it is a direct empowerment for everybody. It is either saving you money that you will spend or it is helping you to make money,” he said.
The visit forms part of early political activities ahead of the 2027 Ogun governorship election, with major parties expected to intensify engagement with traditional institutions, community leaders and voters.
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The Ogun PDP chairman, Abayomi Tella, described Adebutu as prepared to lead the state, while Sowunmi-Kolapo urged residents of Egbaland to support the party’s ticket.
