The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has accused all Nigerian state governors, regardless of political affiliation, of systematically misappropriating local government financial allocations.

Adebutu made the sweeping allegations at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta during a strategic consultative meeting with the Egba Traditional Council to seek the blessings of the monarchs ahead of the 2027 governorship election. He was accompanied by his running mate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo; the PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, Iyabo Obasanjo; Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella; and several other party stakeholders.

Addressing the traditional rulers, Adebutu declared that granting complete financial autonomy to local governments would serve as a foundational policy of his administration if elected.

“I will do something that will stun this nation and put us in the right direction. Local governments shall get their own money,” Adebutu vowed.

He challenged the integrity of the political class, pointing to his own track record. “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?”

He emphasized that the diversion of council funds cuts across party lines. “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, maintaining that grassroots development is only achievable when local councils directly control their finances.

On economic management, Adebutu argued against conventional debt reliance, stating, “You don’t borrow money for infrastructure anymore.” He instead promised to deploy innovative asset-financing methods to build critical networks, including roads connecting Ogun State directly to Lagos.

Lending weight to the advocacy, the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, lamented what he described as the total collapse of the local government system in the state. Drawing from personal experience as a former council chairman, Tella recalled utilizing a N200 million allocation to construct four impactful roads. He voiced concern that current council chairmen cannot execute similar projects due to strict financial strangulation by state authorities.

The campaign received a major boost from former administration officials and the traditional institution. The PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo, noted that after leaving the APC following her unsuccessful governorship bid, she became convinced of Adebutu’s distinct political will to actualise grassroots manifestos. She asserted that the PDP holds the most formidable team in Egbaland and urged the monarchs to support the movement.

In his response, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, described Adebutu as “trustworthy and reliable,” formally declaring his support for the PDP flag bearer`s 2027 ambitions.

Recalling a long-standing relationship with the candidate`s father, the Alake expressed absolute confidence in Adebutu’s leadership capabilities. “The son of a lion must resemble the lion. In fact, he is an even better version of his father,” Oba Gbadebo concluded.