ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State election, Oladipupo Adebutu, has pledged to grant full financial autonomy to local governments if elected governor, while accusing governors across Nigeria of diverting funds meant for local councils.

Speaking during a meeting with the Egba Traditional Council at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta on Sunday, Adebutu said his administration would ensure that local governments receive and manage their statutory allocations directly without interference from the state government.

The PDP governorship candidate made the promise while seeking the support and blessings of traditional rulers ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.

Adebutu was accompanied by his running mate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo, Ogun State PDP Chairman Abayomi Tella, and other party leaders.

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Speaking before the monarchs, Adebutu described local government autonomy as a key pillar of his administration if elected governor.

According to him, direct access to local government allocations would improve grassroots development and strengthen service delivery across the state.

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

The former lawmaker argued that empowering local councils financially would allow them to execute projects independently and respond more effectively to the needs of residents.

Adebutu also highlighted his record during his time in the National Assembly, insisting he maintained integrity while serving the public.

“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 said.

Adebutu Alleges Diversion of Local Government Allocations

The PDP governorship candidate further alleged that governors across political parties were diverting funds meant for local governments.

According to him, the alleged practice cuts across party lines and has prevented councils from carrying out meaningful development projects.

“It’s not a party thing. Both APC and PDP, all the governors are embezzling local government allocations. It’s not a secret,” Adebutu alleged.

He maintained that granting councils direct access to their statutory allocations would improve governance at the grassroots and accelerate development in communities across Ogun State.

On infrastructure, Adebutu said governments should reduce dependence on borrowing for capital projects, adding that his administration would prioritise road construction to improve connectivity between Ogun State and neighbouring Lagos.

PDP Leaders Back Adebutu’s Vision

Also speaking at the event, Ogun State PDP Chairman Abayomi Tella lamented what he described as the collapse of the local government system due to the absence of financial autonomy.

He recalled receiving an allocation of ₦200 million during his tenure as a local government chairman, which he said enabled the construction of four roads within his council area.

Tella argued that many current council chairmen have been unable to execute similar projects because they lack financial independence.

He expressed confidence that Adebutu would restore effective local governance if elected governor.

The PDP deputy governorship candidate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, also appealed to the people of Egbaland to support the party, assuring them of inclusive governance and sustainable development.

Similarly, Iyabo Obasanjo, the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, said she joined the PDP because she believed Adebutu possessed the leadership qualities needed to transform Ogun State.

She described the PDP as having the strongest political team in Egbaland and urged traditional rulers to support the party in the 2027 elections.

Alake Endorses Adebutu’s Character

In his remarks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, praised Adebutu’s character and leadership qualities.

The monarch described him as a dependable leader, expressing confidence in his ability to serve the people effectively.

“The son of a lion must resemble the lion. In fact, he is an even better version of his father,” the traditional ruler said.

Adebutu’s promise of full local government financial autonomy is expected to become one of the major campaign issues ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, as political parties continue to unveil their governance plans for the state.