By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Thousands of indigenes of Yewa in Ogun West Senatorial District, on Wednesday endorsed the governorship aspiration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.

The endorsement came during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ilaro, where a large crowd of PDP members, community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders gathered to declare their support for Adebutu.

The stakeholders maintained that the PDP remained the only political platform presenting what they described as a genuine Ogun State candidate for the governorship race, stressing that they would continue to wait for the appropriate time to support “a true Yewa son” to lead the state.

Speaking on behalf of ‘the Believe Movement’ from Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, Chief Akinbami Lukman said members of the group had resolved to support Adebutu’s aspiration in what he described as the overall interest of Ogun State.

According to him, the group had also pledged to mobilise voters and work towards ensuring the success of the PDP candidate at the polls.

“We have resolved to support the ambition of Ladi Adebutu because we believe it is in the overall interest of Ogun State. We are fully committed to working for his victory and ensuring that every vote counts,” Lukman said.

Also speaking, the leader of the ‘Door-to-Door Foot Soldiers’, Mr. Jimoh Azeez, expressed confidence that the youth would play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the 2027 election.

He said, Nigerian youths had become more politically aware and were prepared to defend the integrity of their votes.

“We won’t say they will write the results. We will mobilise, vote and stand by our votes. Our ruling class should know that it is a new dawn,” Azeez said.

“They can continue to go round leaders and traditional rulers, but we are the ones on the field. They will be shocked. We will protect Yewa’s turn for a true son of the soil with no controversy.”

Several other speakers at the meeting commended the philanthropic contributions of the Adebutu family, saying their interventions had positively impacted many lives even without occupying public office.

They expressed confidence that Adebutu, if elected governor, would ensure that the state’s resources were deployed for the benefit of the people.

Representatives of the Awori community also declared their support for the PDP candidate, saying their endorsement was based on his perceived competence and commitment to the development of Ogun State rather than partisan considerations.

“We are not acting on the basis of political party affiliation or sectional interest. We are supporting an individual we believe will protect the dignity and future of Ogun State, and that person is Ladi Adebutu,” one of the Awori leaders said.

Responding, Adebutu thanked the people of Ogun West for what he described as an overwhelming demonstration of love and confidence in his leadership.

He said he was deeply encouraged by the reception accorded him from the entrance of Ilaro town to the venue of the meeting.

The PDP governorship hopeful noted that he had consistently supported Ogun West aspirants whenever they emerged as candidates of different political parties.

“I am very happy with the determination that I am seeing here. These are the people, and democracy is for the people. Talk with your votes. We only have one state and we must protect our heritage,” Adebutu said.

He reiterated his commitment to the development of Ogun West Senatorial District and Ogun State as a whole if elected governor.

Earlier, Adebutu and his entourage paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Olu and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, where they were received by members of the traditional council before proceeding to the stakeholders’ meeting.