The 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, on Wednesday challenged Governor Dapo Abiodun. He questioned the seven-month hold on the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland. He asked if it would take another 20 years to find a replacement for the paramount ruler's position.
Adebutu said he is running for governor to free the people of Ogun State from what he called the bad governance of the current administration. He claims that the All Progressives Congress-led government has caused hardship for the people.
He called on the people to reject the APC in the upcoming elections and support the PDP to bring relief to them. He said they need to “wipe away their tears.”
He made these statements in Ijebu Ode during the kickoff of the campaign for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections. The crowd that gathered to support the opposition party was quite large.
Adebutu said, “I was recently asking why there has not been a new Alaperu, but it seems some people are behind the delay. I also asked why it has been difficult to replace the Alaye of Odogbolu after the former king passed away. It’s the same people behind that delay too. What about having a new Awujale? Why are they trying hard to impose someone from Lagos?”
He continued, “Why will some people, because they are in power, block us from having our rightful royal fathers installed, and still seek our votes? Is it that they don’t want us to have another Awujale in 20 years’ time or what? So, it is good for the people to know that PDP’s involvement in the 2027 elections is about the fight for liberty and freedom for the people. Our people cannot remain under bad governance forever. This is why you all must turn out in large numbers to vote out APC during next year’s election.”
Adebutu also urged the people to take inspiration from the PDP’s recent win in the Osun State governorship election. He said they must protect their votes and ensure they count.
He said, “I know they will come to offer you money. Please collect their money; it belongs to you. Take it and vote for the PDP, which is ready to bring rapid development and make life easier for the people.”
Adebutu introduced Wale Ogunbanjo, a former federal lawmaker, as the party’s candidate for the Ijebu North East/Odogbolu/Ijebu Ode Federal Constituency. He also introduced Engr. Femi Omotayo, known as Omo Owo, as the Ogun East senatorial candidate for the party in the 2027 elections.
He called Ogunbanjo and Omotayo responsible individuals who can improve governance and representation in Ijebuland. They both promised to promote good governance, accountability, and rapid development across the area if elected.
The party’s deputy governorship candidate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, also encouraged the people of Ijebuland to vote for the PDP in 2027. She said the party’s ideals are based on selfless service and policies to improve the lives of citizens.
Efforts to get a response from the state government were unsuccessful. Calls to Mr. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Information and Strategy, went unanswered. He also did not reply to WhatsApp messages sent for comments as of the time of this report.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 after the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona at age 91, following 65 years on the throne. The state government stopped the selection process in January 2026 due to petitions from security agencies and stakeholders. This followed an earlier suspension over procedural issues in December 2025.
Ninety-five aspirants, including 94 princes and one princess, came from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House nomination process held in Ijebu Ode. The leadership of Fusengbuwa, the ruling house responsible for producing the next Awujale, recently urged the governor to lift the suspension and allow the kingmakers to carry out their duty of selecting the new Awujale.
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