Adebutu tackles Abiodun over delay in choosing new Awujale

Oladipupo Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Ogun State in 2027, has publicly challenged Governor Dapo Abiodun over the prolonged delay in selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland. Adebutu questioned whether the process to fill the vacant royal stool, which has been on hold for seven months, would take another two decades.

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I was recently asking why there has not been a new Alaperu, but it appears it is some people that are behind the delay. I also asked why it has been difficult to have the replacement for the Alaye of Odogbolu after the demise of the former king. It is the same people that are also said to be behind the delay. What about having a new Awujale? Why are they also trying hard to impose (tekobo) someone from Lagos?

Adebutu launched his campaign for the 2027 governorship race, stating his primary goal is to liberate the state's residents from what he described as the misrule and hardship imposed by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government. He urged the people of Ogun State to vote out the APC in the upcoming elections and bring the PDP back to power to alleviate their suffering.

Speaking at the campaign flag-off event in Ijebu Ode, Adebutu highlighted concerns about delays in appointing other traditional rulers, including the Alaperu and the Alaye of Odogbolu. He suggested that certain individuals in power are obstructing these appointments and attempting to impose a candidate for the Awujale position. Adebutu emphasized that the PDP's involvement in the 2027 elections is a struggle for liberty and freedom, asserting that the populace will not remain under "shackles of bad governance."

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What I am saying is, why will some people, because they are in power, be blocking us from having our rightful royal fathers installed, and they will still be seeking the vote of the people? 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 can never remain under the shackle of bad governance forever. This is why all of you must turn out en masse to vote out APC during next year’s election.

Adebutu also advised supporters to accept any financial inducements offered by opposing parties, referring to the money as rightfully theirs. However, he urged them to ultimately vote for the PDP, which he promised would bring rapid development and improve the quality of life for the state's residents. He encouraged voters to learn from the PDP's recent victory in the Osun State governorship election and to defend their votes to ensure they count.

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I know that they will come to offer you money. Please collect their money; it is yours. Collect it and vote for the PDP that is ready to bring about rapid development across the state and also make life more comfortable for the people.