[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t is no longer news that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last governorship election in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, is fighting the legitimacy of the second term given to Price Dapo Abiodun at the election tribunal sitting in Abeokuta.
Adebutu is insisting that what happened on March 18, 2023 in the gateway state was not an election but an electoral heist, as the current governor was accused of several crimes ranging from ineligibility to stand for election, over-voting, ballot snatching, intimidation, and illegal collusion with electoral officers to declare false results.
Recently, both the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the secretary to the Ogun State government, Tokunbo Talabi, were accused of gross abuse of power and conflict of interest.
The accusation was so indicting that the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Mike A. A. Ozekhome, submitted petitions to key anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, namely the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), seeking urgent investigation and potential prosecution in relation to the electoral infractions.
Acting on behalf of the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA), a prominent non-governmental organization advocating for human rights and electoral integrity, the erudite legal practitioner raised serious concerns about the involvement of Superflux International Ltd, a security printing company belonging to Talabi, in the election process.
Aside from the above, it was obvious that the residents of the state were not happy with the administration of Abiodun during the first term and decided to replace him. And from the figures recorded as the outcome of the election, they tried but Shawn Michael Davids happened.
To this day, many still wonder how a sitting and an alleged performing governor could have won an election with a miserly approximate 13,000 votes! Abiodun polled 276,298 votes, while Adebutu scored 262,383.
While awaiting the outcome of the election tribunal, the public always finds a way to make known their displeasure with the governor’s style of leadership. Responses to the governorship’s contents on social media are witnesses to their annoyances.
Adebutu has played grassroots politics over the years, so much that most public appointments he held were related to Local government administration and rural development.
He was a Commissioner in Local Government Service Commission under the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration and when he was in the House of Representatives, he was Chairman House Committee on Rural Development; all related to grassroot.
Most of his business interests are situated in the rural communities of Iperu and villages and towns in Ogun State, thereby employing and overseeing the livelihoods of thousands of workers in organic communities, most of whom would have been indigent.
All these counted for him during the last governorship elections in Ogun State as most families that benefited from his employment and charities came out en masse to vote for him.
Someone with this mindset is what Ogun State needs at the helm of affairs, who can take governance to the grassroots.
About 70% of the Ogun State population lives in the rural communities and if you take governance and the good living to the greatest number of people, this is what leadership is all about.
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Here are five reasons a typical Ogun indigene would still prefer Ladi Adebutu as the governor of the state if given the chance over Dapo Abiodun.
Experience
Ladi, as he is fondly called, has proven himself to be a seasoned politician with years of experience in public service. He served as a member of the House of Representatives, representing the people of Remo Federal Constituency in 1992. Then again in 2015, he was sent back to the National Assembly to represent the interests of the Remo, Shagamu, and Ikenne constituency. His knowledge and understanding of the political landscape in Ogun State make him well-equipped to lead as governor.
Development-oriented
He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the development of Ogun State. He has initiated and supported numerous projects aimed at improving the lives of the people, including infrastructure development, healthcare interventions, and educational programs. As governor, Adebutu would prioritize the needs of the people and work towards their overall progress.
Empowerment
Adebutu has a track record of empowering his constituents and creating opportunities for them. He has provided scholarships to deserving students, supported small-scale businesses, and initiated training programmes for skill acquisition. With him as governor, the people of Ogun State can expect a government that actively supports and empowers them to succeed.
In addition Ladi has never lived outside Iperu, Ogun State, since he came back from UK after his tertiary education, except when he served in the NASS, in 1992 and 2015 respectively. He lives and dine with his people, both the elite and rural, without shame.
Accessibility
He has consistently demonstrated a willingness to listen to the concerns and needs of the people. He has held regular town hall meetings, engaged in grassroots campaigns, and maintained an open-door policy. Adebutu’s accessibility ensures that the people’s voices will be heard and their concerns addressed under his leadership.
Unity and inclusivity
Adebutu has shown a commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity among the diverse communities in Ogun State. He understands the importance of bringing people together, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or social backgrounds. Adebutu’s leadership would promote a sense of togetherness and ensure that all citizens are represented and included in the government’s decision-making processes.
With his leadership, Ogun State can expect progress, prosperity, and a government that truly represents and serves the people.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
