Adebutu accuses governors of misusing local government funds

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has claimed that governors across Nigeria are misusing funds meant for local governments. He promised to give full financial independence to local councils if he wins in 2027.

Adebutu made these comments on Sunday. He spoke at a meeting with the Egba Traditional Council at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta. There, he sought the support and blessings of traditional leaders for his governorship plan.

He was not alone. His running mate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, joined him. Others present included Iyabo Obasanjo, the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, and the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, along with other party leaders.

While addressing the monarchs, Adebutu said that giving financial independence to local governments would be a key part of his plans. "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.

Adebutu emphasized the need for real local government independence. He said he has a clean record from 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 also claimed that governors from all parties are stealing 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 stated.

Adebutu argued that local governments would perform better if they had direct access to their funds. He talked about infrastructure development and said governments should stop relying on borrowing.

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

Abayomi Tella, the Ogun State PDP Chairman, also spoke. He lamented what he called the collapse of the local government system in the state, blaming it on the lack of financial independence. Tella shared his experience as a local government chairman, saying he once received an allocation of N200 million. He used that money to build four roads in his area.

He voiced concern that many current council chairmen cannot show similar projects because they lack financial freedom. He expressed strong belief in Adebutu’s commitment to local government autonomy, calling him ready to lead the development of the state.

Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, the PDP deputy governorship candidate, urged the people of Egbaland to support her. She said she has always been committed to developing the area. Similarly, Iyabo Obasanjo, the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, mentioned 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 attempt.

Obasanjo claimed that the PDP has the strongest political team in Egbaland. She asked traditional rulers to support the party as the 2027 elections approach. The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, also spoke. He described Adebutu as a trustworthy leader and expressed confidence in his 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.