Indigenous residents of Yewa, including a large gathering of People’s Democratic Party supporters, community figures and stakeholders, publicly backed PDP governorship candidate Adebutu at a political event in Ilaro, pledging to rally behind what they described as the only Yewa indigenous in the race for Ogun State’s top job.
Key takeaways
- Yewa indigenes in Ilaro said there is no other Ogun indigenous candidate standing for the governorship contest.
- Leaders of local groups, including the Believe Movement and Door to Door Foot-Soldiers, announced plans to mobilise for Adebutu’s success.
- A youth leader warned that Nigerians will “speak loudly” at the ballot box in the 2027 election cycle.
- Adebutu thanked residents for their support and argued that backing from true Yewa sons is crucial for the PDP agenda.
- The campaign visit included a stop at a palace, where he was received by the traditional council.
Campaign backing at Tetede Hall
Speaking at Tetede Hall in Ilaro, Chief Akinbami Lukman, a leader of the Believe Movement from Imeko Afon Local Government, said members of the group decided to throw their weight behind Adebutu in the interest of Ogun residents and what they called the state’s broader agenda.
Lukman, appearing on behalf of the group, assured Adebutu and PDP officials in attendance that the organisation had committed itself to working for his victory, with the aim of ensuring that every vote would count.
Another speaker, Jimoh Azeez, described as a leader of the Door to Door Foot-Soldiers, said his group would also work toward Adebutu’s emergence as governor.
Azeez argued that Nigerian youths are now better informed and will make their preferences known through their votes in 2027. He said they would not accept a situation where outcomes are decided on behalf of voters, adding that they planned to mobilise, vote and remain committed to what they cast at the polls.
“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, also stating that political actors should not rely on approaches that focus only on courting prominent traditional rulers and leaders.
He maintained that youth and grassroots campaigners are the ones working “on the field,” and said they would defend what he described as Yewa’s turn for a “true son of the soil” without controversy.
Endorsements and Adebutu’s response
Other participants at the gathering said the Adebutu family had long supported ordinary people even without holding public office. They added that, if Adebutu becomes governor, he would ensure that the state’s resources are used for the benefit of residents across Ogun.
The Awori indigenes also endorsed Adebutu’s candidacy in turn, saying they were not connected to any political party or to district political leaders. They said their support was for an individual they believe would protect the dignity of the state, insisting that “the PDP governorship candidate is that person.”
In his remarks, Adebutu thanked the crowd for its backing. He said he was moved by the affection shown by “true indigenes” of Yewa—from the streets of the community to the time his entourage arrived at the hall.
Adebutu also argued that the contest would have been more difficult if candidates from other parties had included Gboyega Isiaka, Abiodun Akinlade or other contenders, saying the situation was more manageable because he had previously supported genuine Yewa sons when they emerged as candidates on the PDP and APM platforms.
He assured residents of his commitment to advancing the development of the senatorial district and Ogun State, and said he was encouraged by the determination he saw at the event. “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.
After addressing supporters, his entourage went to the palace, where he was received by the traditional council.
