All Nigerian governors guilty of embezzling LG allocations – Adebutu
PDP Candidate Alleges Misappropriation of Local Government Funds by Governors
Abeokuta, Ogun State — Oladipupo Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Ogun State, has accused governors across Nigeria of misappropriating funds allocated to local governments. Adebutu made the statement during a meeting with the Egba Traditional Council at the Ake Palace, where he sought their support for his campaign.
Accompanied by his running mate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, Iyabo Obasanjo, Ogun State PDP Chairman Abayomi Tella, and other party leaders, Adebutu outlined his vision for local government autonomy as a key priority 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,” Adebutu asserted. He emphasized the need for financial autonomy, claiming that he had never embezzled public funds during his tenure in the National Assembly, a rarity among politicians, he suggested.
He claimed that the misappropriation of funds transcends party lines, affecting both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP. “It’s not a secret,” he stated, indicating that local councils would perform better with more control over their finances.
Regarding infrastructure funding, Adebutu proposed innovative funding strategies over traditional borrowing methods, committing to improve road connectivity between Ogun State and Lagos.
PDP Chairman Tella expressed concern over the deterioration of the local government system, recalling that he had previously allocated N200 million to develop infrastructure during his time as a council chairman. He noted that current local government leaders struggle to deliver meaningful projects due to a lack of financial autonomy.
Sowunmi-Kolapo urged her constituents to support her political aspirations, highlighting her commitment to the development of Egbaland. Similarly, Iyabo Obasanjo, who left APC after her unsuccessful governorship bid, endorsed Adebutu, expressing confidence in his vision and capabilities.
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, welcomed Adebutu’s candidacy, praising him as “trustworthy and reliable” and reaffirming his support for the PDP candidate ahead of the 2027 election. The Alake noted his longstanding relationship with Adebutu’s father, expressing confidence in Adebutu’s leadership qualities.
“The son of a lion must resemble the lion. In fact, he is an even better version of his father,” Oba Gbadebo said, reinforcing his approval of Adebutu’s campaign.
