The Egba indigenes under the umbrella of Egba Agenda Forum on Thursday endorsed Ladi Adebutu, Governorship Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as their choice ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
Penpushing reports that the agenda in collaboration with Movement for Change made the declaration at their convention held in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, adding that their choice of Adebutu was as a result of picking an Egba indigene as his running mate.
The Chairman of the Movement High Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem in his speech pointed out that for more than seven years, the Egba people have been largely sidelined in the affairs of Ogun state.
Penpushing further reports that Abdulhakeem, who is the Akinfiwatolu of Egbaland alleged that their land are being converted to private estate in the name of redevelopment, arguing that enough is enough of being marginalized
The convention added that based on recent development in the state there appeared to be a grand design to keep Egbaland out of the saddle of leadership for another sixteen years, declaring that the proposition is unacceptable, and rejected completely
‘Today marks a turning point in our collective struggle to secure a rightful seat at the table whenever the future of Ogun State is being discussed and decided. For more than seven years, the Egba people have been largely sidelined in the affairs of our state while our Land are being converted to private estate in the name of redevelopment’, the body state.
‘Worse still, there appeared to be a grand design to keep Egbaland out of the saddle of leadership for another sixteen years. That proposition is unacceptable, and I reject it completely. Abdulhakeem stated.
‘The Egba people are not second-class citizens in Ogun State and we are the most populous ethnic group in Ogun state. We are one of the founding pillars of this great state, and our contributions to its development are written boldly in the pages of history. We deserve fairness, equity, and inclusion’, he added
Penpushing also reports that the group commended Adebutu for what they described as giving Egbaland a fighting chance, by choosing Alhaja (Dr) Lateefat Sowunmi- Kolapo, an Egba daughter as his running mate,
‘It is in this regard that I commend Hon. Ladi Adebutu for giving Egbaland a fighting chance. By choosing our daughter, sister, and mother, Alhaja Dr. Lateefat Sowunmi Kolapo, as his running mate, he has demonstrated courage, fairness, and a commitment to inclusive governance’, he added.
Penpushing reports that the movement emphasized that the deputy governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a bonafide Egba indigene and revered Iya Sunna of Egbaland, a woman of proven character and leadership.
The agenda to support their position in accepting Adebutu as their choice candidate explained that the governorship candidate of the party has equally pledged that the position of Secretary to the State Government will also be occupied by an Egba son or daughter.
‘Frankly, that is more than I envisaged when, alongside other progressive-minded patriots, we founded the Egba Agenda Forum. Our position is simple: Ogun must be for Ogun people’, he stated.
‘The principle of federal character exists to protect the interests of indigenous communities and ensure fairness in governance. The thirty-six states of the federation were created to serve and advance the interests of their people’.
Penpushing further reports that the movement declared that they won’t allow political hijackers, stressing that it was in the spirit of unity, collaboration, and collective progress that the body stand to make a historic declaration
‘Therefore, we say No to political hijackers. Ogun State belongs to Ogun people. Ogun State is not a no-man’s land. Ogun State is not Lagos. Ogun State is not Ekiti. Ogun State is not Ondo. Ogun is Ogun, and its destiny must remain in the hands of its people’.
‘There is a popular saying: “If you want to travel fast, go alone; if you want to travel far, go together. It is in that spirit of unity, collaboration, and collective progress that I stand before you today to make a historic declaration’.
‘On behalf of the MAO Movement for Change and the Egba Agenda Forum, I hereby formally endorse Hon. Ladi Adebutu and Alhaja Dr. Lateefat Sowunmi Kolapo as our preferred candidates for the 2027 Ogun State Governorship Election’.
‘We believe they represent hope, fairness, inclusion, and a brighter future for all the people of Ogun State. Let us therefore unite, mobilize, and work together to ensure victory for the cause of justice, equity, and good governance. Se Bawa! Egba Agbewa Ooo! Thank you, and God bless Egbaland. God bless Ogun State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria’, he said.
Penpushing also reports that in a related development, Abdulhakeem, who is the chairman of the forum and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) has decamped to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
The new entrant of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was reported to have joined Adebutu and his running mate alongside thousands of his supporters from Ogun Central, stressing that Egba had not been properly represented by the ruling party in Ogun state and can’t wait for another 16 years to be at the table where their future is to be decided
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