Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, on Wednesday, received a hero’s welcome, when thousands of Yewa indigenes, Ogun West senatorial district, trooped out to receive and endorse his 2027 bid.
The indigenes, including a huge crowd of PDP faithful in Yewa, said it is the PDP candidate or no one else.
They declared that they would rather wait for the right time to support “a true Yewa indigene for governorship of the state than a stranger”.
Speaking at the event which took place at the Tetede Hall in Ilaro, a leader of the Believe Movement, from Imeko Afon Local Government, Chief Akinbami Lukman, said that members of the group decided to support the ambition of Adebutu in the interest of Ogun people for Ogun agenda.
Akinbami, who spoke on behalf of members of the group, who had pitched their tent with the PDP, assured Adebutu and PDP members present that the group had volunteered to work for his success to ensure that every vote would count.
Another leader of a youth organisation, the Door to Door Foot -Soldiers, Mr Jimoh Azeez, also said they would work for Adebutu’s emergence as governor.
He said Nigerian youths were more enlightened now and would talk loudly with their votes in 2027.
“We won’t allow anybody to write the results. We will mobilise, vote and stand by our votes. Our ruling class should know that it is a new dawn.
“They can continue to go round leaders and traditional rulers. 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,” Azeez said.
Others, who spoke, said the Adebutu family had done so much for the poor masses even without public office, adding that, if he became governor, he would ensure the state’s resources worked for the people of the state.
The Awori indigenes also took turns to endorse Adebutu’s candidacy, saying they were neither affiliated to political parties nor district leaders.
They said they are supporting an individual that would protect the dignity of the state, noting that “the PDP governorship candidate is that person.”
Responding, the governorship candidate, Adebutu, thanked the crowd immensely for their support.
He said he was humbled by the display of love by the true indigenes of Yewa land, right from the streets of the town till his entourage reached the hall.
According to him, if Gboyega Isiaka, Abiodun Akinlade or any other candidate had emerged on other political parties’ platforms contesting against the PDP, it would have been tough, noting that he had supported all true Yewa sons when they emerged candidates of PDP and APM.
He assured the indigenes of his commitment to the growth and development of the senatorial district.
“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 added.
His entourage had stopped at the palace, where he was received by members of the traditional council.