2027: Ogun indigenes insist on 'Ogun for Ogun' mandate as Adebutu tours wards

The pledge was made during the ward-to-ward tour embarked upon by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Oladipupo Adebutu, and his running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo.

Some of the residents urged Adebutu to fix deplorable roads and support farmers with seedlings and modern equipment.

Speaking at Alagada Ward in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, a market leader, Mrs Folasade Ogunye, said indigenes were backing the movement because they understand the pains of people at the grassroots.

"We, the women of Obafemi Owode, have suffered neglect. Our roads to the markets are bad and our children need jobs. We want someone who grew up here, who knows our language and our struggles," she said.

"It would be a disservice to the memory of our heroes for an outsider to dictate the fortune of our people. That is why we have pledged to go from house to house to secure this mandate. It is about our pride as Ogun indigenes."

A community youth coordinator, Tunde Akinola, said, "We decided to join this ward meeting today with our incoming governor, Adebutu, because we love our state and can't trade it on the altar of politics. We want to follow the person we know and that will deliver."

DAILY POST reports that at Onidunu Ward, a farmer, Deji Bamidele, said over 300 members of his cooperative were committed to the cause.

"In this community, farming is our life but we have been left with cutlasses while other states use tractors. When Adebutu explained ITURA DE and how agriculture will be mechanised, we saw hope," he said.

At Owode Ward 3, a retired teacher, Alhaja Sariyu Bankole, said the agitation was about protecting Ogun's political legacy.

"We cannot mortgage our heritage. Ogun State is the home of great leaders. Allowing non-indigenes to take over will erase our history. I have told all my former students and their parents in this ward that we must vote for our own," she stated.

Similarly, at Ward 10 in Sagamu LGA, a youth leader, Comrade Bayo Oduwole, said the youth were tired of being spectators.

"The 'Ogun for Ogun' mandate is not about tribalism, it is about competence and belonging. We know Adebutu's family history here. We know all that they have done," he said.

Responding, Adebutu thanked the residents for the reception and reaffirmed his commitment to the mandate.

On her part, the deputy governorship candidate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, assured residents that their administration would be inclusive and grassroots-driven.