Ogun PDP governorship candidate says local governments will receive allocations directly if elected in 2027.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has accused governors across the country of diverting funds meant for local governments, promising to ensure full financial autonomy for councils if elected in the 2027 governorship election.
Adebutu made the promise 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 ambition.
He attended the meeting alongside his running mate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo; the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo; the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella; and other party leaders.
Addressing the monarchs, Adebutu said granting local governments direct access to their statutory allocations would be one of the major priorities of his administration.
“I will do something that will stun this nation and put us in the right direction. Local governments shall get their own money,” he said.
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The former lawmaker argued that genuine local government autonomy was essential for grassroots development, adding that he left office with a clean record during his time in the National Assembly.
“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.
He further alleged that the diversion of local government allocations was common among governors, regardless of party affiliation.
“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.
According to him, local governments would be better positioned to deliver development projects if they controlled their own finances without interference from state governments.
Speaking on infrastructure, Adebutu also said governments should reduce reliance on borrowing to fund development projects. He promised to build roads that would improve connectivity between Ogun State and neighbouring Lagos.
Also speaking, Ogun PDP Chairman Abayomi Tella blamed the decline of local government administration in the state on the absence of financial autonomy.
Tella recalled that while serving as a local government chairman, his council received an allocation of N200 million, which he said was used to construct four roads.
He expressed concern that many present-day council chairmen had little to show in terms of infrastructure because they lacked financial independence.
The party chairman said he was confident Adebutu would implement local government autonomy if elected and provide the leadership needed to transform the state.
PDP deputy governorship candidate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, appealed to the people of Egbaland to support the party, saying she remained committed to the development of the area.
The party’s senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, Iyabo Obasanjo, said she joined the PDP because she believed Adebutu possessed the vision and determination to deliver good governance. She urged the traditional rulers to back the party in the 2027 elections.
In his remarks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, described Adebutu as a dependable leader and praised his character.
“The son of a lion must resemble the lion. In fact, he is an even better version of his father,” the monarch said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.