News
Ogun 2027: Alake endorses Adebutu as PDP candidate pledges absolute LG Autonomy
The 2027 governorship ambition of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, Oladipupo Adebutu, received a massive boost on Sunday as the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, publicly threw his weight behind his candidacy, describing him as “trustworthy and reliable.”
The Alake declared his support at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta during a high-profile consultative meeting between Adebutu and the Egba Traditional Council.
Adebutu visited the palace alongside a powerful delegation, including his running mate, Dr. Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo; the PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, Iyabo Obasanjo; and the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella, among other prominent party leaders.
Addressing the traditional rulers, Oba Gbadebo walked down memory lane, recalling his three-decade-long relationship with the candidate’s father, the legendary billionaire philanthropist Sir Kensington Adebutu (Baba Adebutu).
The Alake shared a story illustrating the older Adebutu’s legendary generosity during their early days in a mutual club.
“I have belonged to a particular club with Baba Adebutu for the past 30 years. In our early days, we rented an apartment where we held our meetings.
However, we agreed that such an arrangement was not befitting of our club. At one point, a member generously offered us his house as our meeting venue, but we remained resolute that we needed a permanent secretariat of our own,” the monarch recounted.
The royal father explained that when the club finally located a suitable property near the Lagos City Hall, financial constraints threatened the acquisition until the senior Adebutu stepped in.
“Eventually, we found a building opposite the City Hall in Lagos and negotiated to purchase it. As members began contributing towards the cost, Baba Adebutu stood up and told us to keep the money we had contributed. He single-handedly paid for the building. That is the father of Oladipupo Adebutu,” the Alake said.
Affirming that the PDP standard-bearer inherits these stellar traits, Oba Gbadebo
“The son of a lion must resemble the lion. In fact, he is an even better version of his father. I welcome you to Egbaland. Your grandfather was buried at Ijeun Akoni, near Osiele.”
Formally presenting the candidate to the gathered Egba traditional rulers, the Alake said
“I am pleased to present Oladipupo Adebutu to all of you as a man who is trustworthy and reliable. May God be with you and continue to stand by you.”
Showering royal blessings on the political journey, the monarch added: “This step you have taken, by the grace of God, you will never regret. Whoever says there will be no way for you, you will eat their funeral akara. Once again, I warmly welcome you, and I pray that you will never regret embarking on this journey.”
Addressing the traditional council, Adebutu outlined a bold governance framework, promising to fundamentally rewrite local government administration by granting them full financial independence
This move he says will kickstart grassroots development.
“I will do something that will stun this nation and put us in the right direction. Local governments shall get their own money. We must make sure we get local government autonomy. I have been reiterating it to you that I, Oladipupo Olatunde, son of Adebutu, was at the National Assembly twice and I can boast that I didn’t embezzle public funds. How many politicians can say this?” Adebutu challenged.
The PDP candidate also berated current state executives across the country, accusing them of systematically suffocating third-tier governance.
“It’s not a party thing. Both APC and PDP, all the governors are embezzling local government allocations. It’s not a secret. When PDP was in power and local governments were getting their funds, there were developments and they carried monarchs along in the scheme of things.”
Adebutu noted that while his family has historically driven community development through private wealth, true societal transformation requires state power. He added “that without executive powers, there’s a limit to what an individual can do to develop society.”
On economic and structural growth, the PDP candidate advocated for an end to aggressive government borrowing for public works, pledging instead to build key border roads linking Ogun and Lagos through alternative funding structures.
Adebutu also identified stable electricity as the linchpin of his planned administration, promising aggressive collaborations with the private sector to boost household incomes and stimulate industrialization.
“For electricity, private sector participation with the government, we will pursue relentlessly it and once we generate that electricity, you will see the income of our people will increase and energy procurement will decrease,” he promised.
To back his capability on the power front, Adebutu cited his extensive personal track record, revealing he has privately donated over 600 transformers to various communities.
“I can say it categorically that I have distributed more transformers to communities across the state than the government has done. Any day we install a transformer in any community, it ceases to be mine. It becomes the property of the electricity distribution company and I haven’t stopped because of that. Because I believe with electricity, it’s a direct empowerment for everybody. It is either saving you money that you will spend or it is helping you to make money,” he noted, concluding with a simple pledge: “I offer myself for service.”
Corroborating his candidate’s stance, Ogun State PDP Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella, lamented that meaningful development had completely eluded the gateway state under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), expressing total confidence in Adebutu’s readiness to lead.
Similarly, the deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, rallied her Egba kinsmen for support, praising the Egba Traditional Council’s stellar leadership and assuring them that Adebutu “would not disappoint them” if given the mandate.
News
Prince Adesina Olalekan Foundation Marks Chief Femi Jaguar’s Birthday with Humanitarian Visit to Stella Obasanjo Home
The Prince Adesina Olalekan Foundation has commemorated the birthday of Chief Femi Jaguar with a humanitarian outreach to the Stella Obasanjo Motherless Babies Home, reaffirming its commitment to supporting vulnerable children through acts of compassion, empowerment and community service.
The outreach featured the donation of essential items to the home and an interactive session with the resident children and staff.
The initiative formed part of the foundation’s effort to celebrate the occasion by extending care and practical support to children in need, while promoting a culture of kindness and social responsibility.
The children received the foundation’s delegation with excitement and gratitude, expressing their appreciation through prayers, birthday songs and goodwill messages for Chief Femi Jaguar.
The atmosphere reflected the spirit of love, hope and shared humanity that defined the visit.
Addressing the children and staff, the Executive Director of the Prince Adesina Olalekan Foundation, Prince Adesina Olalekan, commended the caregivers for their unwavering dedication to nurturing and protecting the children entrusted to their care.
“I am deeply inspired by the commitment and sacrifice demonstrated every day by the management and staff of this home. Caring for children requires compassion, patience and selfless service. Your efforts are shaping lives and giving these children the opportunity to dream beyond their present circumstances,” he said.
Speaking directly to the children, Prince Adesina Olalekan encouraged them to remain determined despite the challenges they may face.
“Your present situation does not define your future. Believe in yourselves, stay committed to your education, work hard and never lose hope. Every one of you has the potential to become a leader, a professional and a positive force in society. Continue to dream big because your future is brighter than your current circumstances,” he said.
Prince Adesina Olalekan said the foundation deliberately chose to mark Chief Femi Jaguar’s birthday through humanitarian service rather than ceremonial celebrations.
“The greatest way to celebrate life is by touching other lives. Today is not just about marking a birthday. It is about restoring hope, putting smiles on faces and reminding these children that they are valued, loved and not forgotten. This reflects the values we stand for as a foundation,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to expanding its humanitarian interventions across Nigeria.
“Our mission goes beyond donations. We are committed to creating opportunities, empowering families, supporting vulnerable communities and building a society where compassion translates into meaningful action. We will continue to invest in initiatives that improve lives and promote sustainable development,” Prince Adesina Olalekan added.
The Prince Adesina Olalekan Foundation has continued to implement impactful social and economic intervention programmes aimed at improving livelihoods across Nigeria. Its flagship initiatives include a ₦1,000,000 Small and Medium Enterprise Grant Programme supporting entrepreneurs and a ₦600,000 Widows Support Initiative designed to provide financial assistance to widows facing economic hardship.
The foundation said it remains committed to delivering sustainable humanitarian programmes that strengthen communities, promote economic empowerment and provide hope for vulnerable populations through strategic interventions and partnerships.
The Prince Adesina Olalekan Foundation is a humanitarian organisation dedicated to improving lives through social intervention, economic empowerment, education, community development and charitable initiatives.
The foundation works to support vulnerable individuals and communities across Nigeria through sustainable programmes that promote hope, dignity and inclusive development.
Metro
Beyond Reporting: Ogun Journalists pick up shovels to combat Oke-Ilewo flooding, call on Abiodun for urgent drainage redesign
Mounting traffic delays and road damage along the busy Oke-Ilewo axis of Abeokuta have forced media practitioners under the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, to take direct action to prevent further environmental degradation in the state capital.
Members of the NUJ Federated Chapel on Friday launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign, desilting blocked drainage channels directly in front of the NUJ Secretariat, a hotspot notoriously plagued by severe waterlogging and gridlock during heavy downpours.

While the manual cleanup offers temporary relief to motorists and business owners in the area, the Ogun NUJ Chairman, Wale Olanrewaju warns that community effort alone cannot fix what has become a major structural breakdown.
Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman revealed that while Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration previously repaired the drainage system, rapid urban growth in Abeokuta has put unbearable pressure on old infrastructure.

“These drainages were constructed when there was no massive development and human activity around this axis. Human population and commercial growth have heavily overburdened the system.”
He noted that critical underground pipes connecting water flow across the road have become tightly clogged, making routine manual cleaning ineffective over the long term.
Olanrewaju called on the Ogun State Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Environment to immediately dispatch Engineers for a comprehensive feasibility study and total reconstruction of the Oke-Ilewo drainage network.
The proactive gesture highlights a shifting mindset among media professionals in the state, emphasizing direct civic responsibility alongside news reporting.
Comrade Olamilekan Jaji, Vice Chairman of the Ogun NUJ Federated Chapel, noted that the chapel’s roots in community journalism made the intervention necessary:
“We are not just media practitioners; we are part of this society, and its development is our collective duty,” Jaji stated.
He emphasized that blocked drainages remain the root cause of the road’s recurring traffic logjams.

Adding a key warning, the Secretary of the Federated Chapel, Comrade Babalola Gafar, stressed that government intervention must be paired with public discipline.
He cautioned residents and shop owners along the Oke-Ilewo stretch against turning drainage channels into refuse dumps, warning that continuous dumping will render any government repair useless.
“Cleaning the drainage is only one part of the solution. Sensitizing the public against improper waste disposal is just as crucial if we want a lasting fix.”
With the initial desilting now complete, all eyes are on the state Ministry of Works and Ministry of Environment to see how quickly state machinery will respond to fix the damaged road and create a proper channel for water.
Culture
Ogun NUJ Chairman, Wale Olanrewaju installed as Asiwaju Agbaakin of Owu-Akinale
Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, has been installed as Asiwaju Agbaakin by the Towulade of Owu-Akinale, His Royal Majesty Oba Oluseyi Adediran.
The installation ceremony, which attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders, was held on Thursday in Owu-Akinale, as the monarch described the new chieftaincy title as a recognition of Olanrewaju’s contributions and commitment to the development of the community.
Olanrewaju, speaking during the installation, assured the Towulade and the people of Owu-Akinale that he would contribute his quota to the development of the community and uphold the qualities that earned him the prestigious title.
He added, “I assure you that I will ensure that I contribute my own quota to the development of Owu-Akinale, and I will continue in whatever those qualities that are in me that warranted them to give me the chieftaincy title, and I’ll improve on it.”
The NUJ chairman expressed gratitude to the Towulade for finding him worthy of the honour, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him by the traditional institution and the people of Owu-Akinale.
Olanrewaju further dedicated the honour to his parents, acknowledging their sacrifices and efforts in shaping his life and career.
He said, “I dedicate this chieftaincy to my parents for their efforts and sacrifices to make me who I am today. I was chosen not because I’m the best, but because I am one out of the best.”

Speaking at the event, the Towulade expressed appreciation to all those who attended the ceremony, assuring the people that he would continue to promote and project the image of Owu-Akinale.
The monarch also stated some of the developmental initiatives and community support projects taking place in Owu-Akinale.
He disclosed that a free medical outreach was organised as part of the activities, with medical experts available to conduct tuberculosis tests and provide free medication with support from the United Nations.
Oba Adediran expressed special appreciation to the Adebayo family, particularly Engr. Oluwole Babatunde Adebayo, the Akogun of Owu-Akinale, for the total rebuilding of the Baptist Church, Owu-Akinale, as well as the Pastorium for the use of the Christian community over the last decade.
He also commended Prince Babajide Adeoye Akinyemi, CEO of Mogbadewa Foundation, for his contribution to the community.
According to the Towulade, “You remodeled and completely renovated our ancient and dilapidated Town Hall, whose foundation was laid on April 7, 1978, into a befitting and modern Palace. We remain eternally grateful. May God meet all your heart desires.”
Speaking on the Owu-Akinale Health Centre, the monarch said the foundation of the facility was laid on the day of his coronation by the Olowu of Owu, adding that the project had now been adopted by Chief and Mrs Yemi Odebiyi, the Asoludero of Owu-Akinale, in memory of their beloved parent.
He disclosed that the health facility would be known as the Aduni Olufunmilayo Makinde Clinic, Owu-Akinale, and would be commissioned in December, by God’s grace.
The Towulade also appreciated the management of Stellar Steel Company for partnering with the Towulade Educational Trust Fund to provide school bags for all pupils of Baptist Primary School, Owu-Akinale.
He further disclosed that the company had taken over the construction of the Police Station in the community, which, according to him, was already 70 per cent completed.
In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, commended the Towulade for his achievements within one year of his reign, describing the ongoing developmental projects as evidence of God’s answer to the monarch’s prayers for the community.
He said, “You will all see that in one year that God chose Towulade of Akinale, we can all see the wonders he has been doing. God has answered his prayers on the development of this community.”
The Olowu also appreciated Prince Babajide Adeoye Akinyemi for his support for the Towulade and the Owu-Akinale community, as well as the management of Stellar Steel Company for its intervention in the construction of the police post.
According to him, “The construction of the police post will also assist in the security of the community.”
Oba Matemilola further praised the Towulade for possessing the spirit of public service and also commended the Olori of Akinale , Chief Mrs Olufolake Adediran for supporting the monarch.
He urged the people of Owu-Akinale to continue to support the Towulade, stressing that the monarch could not develop the community alone without the support of the chiefs, sons and daughters of the community.
He said, “To the community, you have seen the effort of the Kabiyesi, I want to urge you not to leave him. All the sons and daughters of Akinale that you know they can help us develop this community, let them come and see the development that is going on in Akinale. The Kabiyesi cannot do it alone without the support of the chiefs.”
The Olowu expressed optimism that with the continued support of the people, Owu-Akinale would witness significant development in the coming years.
“If you stand firm by him, within two or three years there will be development in the community,” he added.
-
Business5 months agoAbuja Real Estate Market shatters records with unprecedented Q1 2026 performance
-
News11 months agoOgun FIBAN lauds ‘Paulo Rossi’ on birthday
-
Politics1 year agoThe Yayi Effect and Political Leadership: A Call for Value-Driven Endorsements
-
News1 year agoUnited Premier Movement inaugurates Interim Working Committee
-
News8 months agoWaste Dealers Protest: Illegality Fighting Back – OGWAMA
-
Politics1 year agoThe Yayi Effect and Political Leadership in Ogun State (Part 2)
-
Culture12 months agoAyinla Egba celebrates Alake of Egbaland at 82
-
Education11 months agoSixth Sense to host Children’s Reading Competition
