ABEOKUTA, Ogun State — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has formally rallied the Egba Traditional Council to support the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, declaring him as the leader with the political will to rescue the state.
Speaking at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta during a strategic meeting with traditional rulers, the former senator explained that her political realignment was driven by a search for genuine development and a leader capable of executing her vision for the people.
Prof. Obasanjo, who formed part of the high-level PDP delegation seeking the royal blessing of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, used the occasion to publicly articulate her reasons for backing Adebutu. She disclosed that following her departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) after an unsuccessful governorship bid, she meticulously sought a platform that prioritized the people’s welfare.
“I came to believe that Adebutu has the vision and political will to actualize my aspirations and manifesto for the people,” Obasanjo stated during the gathering. She strongly urged the Egba monarchs to throw their weight behind the party, emphasizing that “no political party has a more formidable team in Egba land than the PDP.”
Obasanjo’s endorsement served as a prelude to the sweeping policy reforms presented by Adebutu to the royal fathers. Presenting a platform that Obasanjo described as a rescue mission, Adebutu made a staunch commitment to decentralizing state resources. He pledged to grant financial independence to local councils, alleging that governors across all political parties are embezzling local government funds. Promising to reverse this trend, Adebutu stated, “I will do something that will stun this nation and put us in the right direction. Local governments shall get their own money.”
Furthermore, the governorship candidate pledged to pivot away from excessive borrowing for state projects, promising instead to utilize innovative approaches to build roads connecting Ogun and Lagos. Touting his personal donation of over 600 transformers to communities, Adebutu also promised to relentlessly pursue private sector participation in electricity generation to drive economic empowerment.
The PDP delegation, which also included deputy governorship candidate Dr. Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo and State Party Chairman Hon. Abayomi Tella, presented a united front. Tella reinforced the team’s message by lamenting the collapse of the local government system under the current APC administration, noting that current council chairmen lack the financial autonomy to execute meaningful projects.
Prof. Obasanjo’s confidence in the PDP flag bearer received significant validation from the Alake of Egbaland, who openly endorsed Adebutu before the traditional council. Oba Gbadebo described the governorship candidate as “trustworthy and reliable,” drawing parallels between Adebutu and his father, the renowned philanthropist Sir Kensington Adebutu.
“The son of a lion must resemble the lion. In fact, he is an even better version of his father,” the monarch declared.
Cementing the successful outing for Obasanjo and the PDP delegation, the Alake offered fervent prayers for their electoral success, telling Adebutu: “This step you have taken, by the grace of God, you will never regret.”
