The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Oludotun Aremu Gbadebo, has affirmed the Egba ancestry of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo “Ladi” Adebutu, during a courtesy visit by the party’s leadership and candidates.
Adebutu visited the monarch alongside the PDP deputy governorship candidate, Lateefat Oyeyemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, the party’s Ogun Central senatorial candidate, Iyabo Obasanjo, and other party leaders, where they were received by the Alake and members of the Egba Traditional Council.
Speaking during the meeting, Oba Gbadebo described Adebutu’s visit as a homecoming, stating that the PDP governorship hopeful has deep ancestral roots in Egbaland.
The monarch disclosed that Adebutu’s great-grandfather, Pa Alimi Adebutu, lived and was buried at Ijeun Akoni in Odeda Local Government Area, reaffirming the family’s historical ties to the Egba people.
According to a statement issued after the visit, the traditional ruler and members of the Egba Traditional Council also offered prayers for the PDP candidates as preparations intensify ahead of the Ogun State governorship election.
The statement noted that the royal audience highlighted the need to preserve cultural heritage while promoting unity, peaceful political participation and harmonious engagement during the electioneering period.
The visit comes as political parties continue consultations and stakeholder engagements across Ogun State in preparation for the governorship and legislative elections, with campaigns expected to gather pace in the coming months.