Adebutu accuses governors of misusing LG funds

The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has claimed that governors across Nigeria are misusing local government funds. He promised to grant full financial independence to councils if he is elected in 2027.

Adebutu made these comments on Sunday at a meeting with the Egba Traditional Council at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta. He was there to seek the support and blessings of traditional rulers for his governorship ambition.

He was joined by 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.

Speaking in front of the monarchs, Adebutu said that giving local governments financial independence would be a key focus 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 stated.

Adebutu emphasized the need for true local government autonomy. He said he had a clean record while serving in the National Assembly.

"We must make sure we get local government autonomy. I have been telling you that I, Oladipupo Olatunde, son of Adebutu, was at the National Assembly twice, and I can say that I didn’t steal public funds. How many politicians can say this?" he asked.

He also claimed that governors from all political parties were misusing local government funds.

"It’s not a party thing. Both APC and PDP, all the governors are embezzling local government allocations. It’s not a secret," he said.

Adebutu argued that local governments could do more for their communities if they had direct access to their funds.

On infrastructure, he said that governments must stop relying on loans.

"You don’t borrow money for infrastructure anymore," he said, promising to build roads that would improve links between Ogun State and Lagos.

Also speaking at the gathering, Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, talked about what he called the collapse of the local government system in the state. He blamed this on the lack of financial independence.

Tella remembered that when he was a local government chairman, he received an allocation of N200 million. He used this money to build four roads in his council area.

He expressed worry that many current council chairmen could not point to similar projects because they did not have financial independence.

Tella said he strongly believes in Adebutu’s commitment to local government autonomy. He described the governorship candidate as ready to lead the state’s development.

The PDP deputy governorship candidate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, asked the people of Egbaland to support her plans. She said she has always been dedicated to developing the area.

Similarly, the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo, said she sees in Adebutu the vision and political will to achieve the goals she has for the people. She left the All Progressives Congress after her failed governorship bid.

She insisted that the PDP has the strongest political team in Egbaland and called on the traditional rulers to support the party in the upcoming 2027 elections.

In his comments, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, described Adebutu as a reliable and trustworthy leader. He expressed faith in Adebutu's character and leadership.

"The son of a lion must resemble the lion. In fact, he is an even better version of his father," the monarch said.