The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has accused governors across Nigeria of diverting local government allocations, promising to grant councils full financial autonomy if elected in the 2027 governorship election.
Adebutu made the allegation on Sunday during a meeting with the Egba Traditional Council at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta, where he sought the support and blessings of traditional rulers for his governorship bid.
He attended the meeting alongside his running mate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo, Ogun PDP Chairman Abayomi Tella and other party leaders.
Adebutu promises financial autonomy for councils
Addressing the monarchs, Adebutu said local governments should have direct access to their statutory allocations.
He pledged to make council financial independence one of the major policies of his administration if elected.
He said:
“I will do something that will stun this nation and put us in the right direction. Local governments shall get their own money.”
The PDP candidate also stressed the importance of genuine local government autonomy. He maintained that he served in the National Assembly without misusing public funds.
He said:
“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?”
‘Governors are diverting LG allocations’
Adebutu further alleged that governors from both major political parties divert funds meant for local governments.
According to him, the practice cuts across party lines.
He said:
“It’s not a party thing. Both APC and PDP, all the governors are embezzling local government allocations. It’s not a secret.”
He argued that councils would deliver more development projects if they received their allocations directly without interference.
Candidate rejects borrowing for infrastructure
Speaking on infrastructure development, Adebutu said governments should reduce their dependence on borrowing.
He also promised to construct roads that would improve connectivity between Ogun State and neighbouring Lagos State.
PDP leaders back Adebutu’s ambition
Meanwhile, Ogun PDP Chairman Abayomi Tella blamed the decline of local government administration in the state on the absence of financial autonomy.
He recalled receiving an allocation of N200 million during his tenure as a local government chairman, adding that the funds enabled him to construct four roads within the council.
According to him, many current council chairmen cannot point to projects of similar impact because they lack financial independence.
Tella expressed confidence in Adebutu’s commitment to granting councils financial autonomy.
Similarly, Sowunmi-Kolapo appealed to the people of Egbaland to support the PDP in the 2027 election.
Iyabo Obasanjo also urged traditional rulers to back the party, saying Adebutu possesses the vision and political will needed to drive Ogun State’s development.
Alake endorses Adebutu’s character
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, described Adebutu as a dependable leader.
The monarch expressed confidence in the PDP candidate’s character and leadership qualities.
He said:
“The son of a lion must resemble the lion. In fact, he is an even better version of his father.”
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