…As Alake declares support for Adebutu’s guber ambition

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu has accused governors in Nigeria of diverting and misusing funds allocated to local governments for their own benefit.

He disclosed this yesterday at Alake’s Palace in Abeokuta, while meeting with the Egba Traditional Council, where he appealed to the traditional rulers for their support and blessings over his governorship bid in 2027.

Those who accompanied him include: his running mate, Lateefah Sowunmi-Kolapo, the party’s senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, Iyabo Obasanjo; and the Chairman, Abayomi Tella; party leaders, candidates among others.

Adebutu, who alleged governors across the 36 states of the federation were diverting funds allocated to local governments, pledged to give local councils financial autonomy if elected governor in the next elections.

“I will do something that will stun this nation and put us in the right direction. Local governments shall get their own money, we must make sure we get local government autonomy.”

“I have been reiterating to you that I, Oladipupo Olatunde, son of Adebutu, was at the National Assembly twice, and I can boast that I didn’t embezzle public funds. How many politicians can say this?”

“It’s not a party thing. Both APC and PDP, all the governors are embezzling local government allocations. It’s not a secret,” he added.
He maintained that local councils achieved better developmental outcomes when they exercised greater financial autonomy, insisting that councils’ funds should be paid directly to LG.

The former House of Representative member also stressed that governments should explore innovative funding strategies instead of depending on loans.

The party’s Chairman decried the collapse of the local government system in the state, saying that he received an allocation of N200 million, which he said was enough to fund the construction of four roads in his local government area.

He noted that the current local government chairmen have little to show in terms of impactful projects, blaming the situation on the absence of financial autonomy.
Tella expressed confidence in Adebutu’s commitment to local government autonomy, stating that he is well-prepared to drive Ogun State’s development.

The Deputy governorship candidate Sowunmi-Kolapo appealed to the traditional council and her fellow Egba kinsmen to back her political ambition, emphasizing her longstanding commitment to the growth and development of Egbaland

Also speaking, the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo, said that after leaving the APC following her unsuccessful governorship bid, she came to believe that Adebutu has the vision and political will to actualise her aspirations and manifesto for the people.

Obasanjo further noted that no political party has a more formidable team in Egbaland than the PDP, urging Egba monarchs to throw their weight behind the party in the interest of the people.

In his welcome address, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, described Adebutu as “trustworthy and reliable,” declaring his support for the party’s flag bearer ahead of the 2027 governorship election.