Ogun Indigenes Vow to Defend ‘Ogun for Ogun’ Mandate as Adebutu Tours Communities

Indigenes of Ogun State have vowed to defend the ‘Ogun for Ogun’ mandate, insisting that the state should be governed by its own people.

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

During the visits, residents expressed support for the political movement while urging Adebutu to address poor road infrastructure, create employment opportunities and improve agricultural development through the provision of seedlings and modern farming equipment.

Speaking at Alagada Ward in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, a market leader, Mrs Folasade Ogunye, said residents were backing the movement because they believed Adebutu understood the challenges facing people at the grassroots.

She said women in the area had suffered neglect, particularly because of poor roads leading to markets and limited employment opportunities for young people.

According to Ogunye, the campaign was also about protecting the state’s political heritage and ensuring that indigenes had a say in its leadership.

A community youth coordinator, Tunde Akinola, also expressed support for Adebutu, saying young people wanted a leader they knew and believed could deliver on his promises.

At Onidunu Ward, a farmer, Deji Bamidele, said more than 300 members of his cooperative were committed to the movement.

He lamented the limited access to modern farming equipment in the community, noting that farmers still relied heavily on traditional tools.

Bamidele said Adebutu’s presentation of the ITURA DE agricultural initiative and plans for mechanised farming had raised hopes among farmers.

Similarly, at Owode Ward 3, a retired teacher, Alhaja Sariyu Bankole, described the campaign as an effort to protect Ogun State’s political legacy.

She urged residents to support an indigenous candidate, arguing that the state’s heritage and history should remain central to decisions about its leadership.

At Ward 10 in Sagamu Local Government Area, youth leader Comrade Bayo Oduwole said young people wanted to play a more active role in the state’s political direction.

He maintained that the ‘Ogun for Ogun’ campaign was about competence and a sense of belonging rather than tribalism, while expressing confidence in Adebutu’s family ties to the state.

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

His running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, also assured residents that their proposed administration would prioritise inclusiveness and grassroots-driven governance.