Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for governor, has come under fire for making what Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu in Ogun State's Yewa North Local Government Area, claims was an offensive comment about the Yewa/Awori traditional institution.
According to reports, Adebutu reprimanded the Yewa/Awori Obas for praying for former Lagos West senator Olamilekan Adeola, who is now vying for the All Progressives Congress, APC, nomination for the Ogun West senatorial seat.
Prime 9ja Online indicates that in 2022, several Obas insulted Adeola by labelling him a non-indigene.
Adebutu recently expressed his concern at a political gathering that the Obas were now supporting the Lagos Senator while disregarding their "real son," PDP member Ganiyu Dada.
In an open letter, Eselu expressed his sadness over "the video where Hon. Ladi Adebutu publicly humiliated certain Yewa-Awori Obas who prayed for Senator Olamilekan Adeola" and how it made him feel.
Adebutu, according to Oba Akinyemi, was consistently losing in Ogun State politics. He stated, "The previous governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, assisted him some years ago in winning the House of Representatives position."
The king claimed that Adebutu had been working hard to acquire positions ever since he left the National Assembly. But despite this, he had always failed because "he doesn't respect elders and many politicians."
Eselu explained to Adebutu that the reason people in Ogun State like him is because of their affection for his father, Chief Kensington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu).
“He talks rudely and carelessly and this has made some political leaders in Ogun State abandon him. He is so arrogant that he always wants his opinions to override other people’s opinions. He is the reason why the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, cannot win in Ogun State after eight years of Otunba Gbenga Daniel as Ogun State Governor,” he said.
The Oba told the traditional leaders of Yewa-Awori that Adebutu didn’t deserve to be elected Governor of Ogun State. He feared that if Adebutu won, he would tell people to beat up Kabiyesis. “In view of his mannerless behaviour, Yewa Traditional Council takes his outburst seriously and we will ensure he is not received and welcomed in our Council.”
He went on to say, “We, Yewa traditional rulers, have endorsed a man who is a Prince and who has respect for traditional rulers in the person of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, whose first term in Office has brought tremendous developments to all the nooks and crannies of our dear Ogun State.
“Also, we stand on our endorsement for Chief Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi). He deserves our absolute support on the day of election.”