The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has pledged to grant local governments full financial autonomy if elected in the 2027 governorship election, accusing governors across Nigeria of frustrating grassroots development by controlling council allocations.
Adebutu made the remarks during a meeting with the Egba Traditional Council at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta, where he sought royal support for his governorship ambition.
The PDP candidate, accompanied by his running mate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo; Ogun Central senatorial candidate, Iyabo Obasanjo; state party chairman, Abayomi Tella; and other party leaders, said local governments must have direct access to their statutory funds to effectively deliver development at the grassroots.
He described council autonomy as a key policy of his proposed administration, while defending his public service record as a former member of the House of Representatives.
Adebutu alleged that governors across party lines have continued to interfere with local government finances, describing the situation as a national problem.
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On infrastructure, he said governments must move away from excessive borrowing and adopt sustainable financing approaches, promising improved road networks that would strengthen connections between Ogun and Lagos.
Tella, a former local government chairman, said the council system in Ogun had suffered setbacks due to the absence of financial independence.
He recalled that his administration once used about ₦200 million in council allocation to construct four roads, lamenting that many current councils lack the resources to execute similar projects.
The PDP chairman expressed confidence in Adebutu’s ability to revive grassroots governance if elected.
Sowunmi-Kolapo appealed to the people of Egbaland to support the PDP ticket, while Obasanjo said she backed Adebutu because of his vision and capacity to deliver better governance for Ogun residents.
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, described Adebutu as trustworthy and reliable, expressing confidence in his character and leadership ahead of the 2027 governorship election.