The 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, on Wednesday challenged Governor Dapo Abiodun over the seven-month embargo placed on the selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland, questioning whether it would take another 20 years to fill the vacant stool of the paramount ruler.

Adebutu said his involvement in the 2027 governorship race was hinged on liberating residents of the state from what he described as the misrule of the present administration and the hardship allegedly foisted on the people by the All Progressives Congress-led government.

He urged the people of the state to reject the APC at the polls next year and support the PDP to return to power and “wipe away their tears.”

Adebutu stated this in Ijebu Ode on Wednesday at the flag-off of the campaign for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

Addressing the crowd that turned out in large numbers to identify with the opposition party, the former lawmaker said, “I was recently asking why there has not been a new Alaperu, but it appears it is some people that are behind the delay.

“I also asked why it has been difficult to have the replacement for the Alaye of Odogbolu after the demise of the former king. It is the same people that are also said to be behind the delay. What about having a new Awujale? Why are they also trying hard to impose (tekobo) someone from Lagos?

“What I am saying is, why will some people, because they are in power, be blocking us from having our rightful royal fathers installed, and they will still be seeking the vote of the people?

“Is it that they don’t want us to have another Awujale in 20 years’ time or what? So, it is good for the people to know that PDP’s involvement in the 2027 elections is about the fight for liberty and freedom for the people. Our people can never remain under the shackle of bad governance forever. This is why all of you must turn out en masse to vote out APC during next year’s election.”

Adebutu also urged the people to take a cue from the opposition party’s recent victory in the Osun State governorship election, saying they must be ready to defend their votes and make them count.

The lawmaker said, “I know that they will come to offer you money. Please collect their money; it is yours. Collect it and vote for the PDP that is ready to bring about rapid development across the state and also make life more comfortable for the people.”

Adebutu also introduced Wale Ogunbanjo, a former federal lawmaker, as the party’s candidate for the Ijebu North East/Odogbolu/Ijebu Ode Federal Constituency, as well as Engr. Femi Omotayo, popularly called Omo Owo, as the Ogun East senatorial candidate for the party in the 2027 elections.

He described Ogunbanjo and Omotayo as responsible individuals and eminent personalities in Ijebuland who have what it takes to redefine governance and qualitative representation across the area.

Speaking earlier, Ogunbanjo and Omotayo pledged to use their good offices to advance good governance, accountability and rapid development across Ijebuland if elected next year.

The party’s deputy governorship candidate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, also urged the people of Ijebuland to turn out in large numbers to vote for the PDP in 2027, saying the ideals of the party are deeply rooted in selfless service and policies designed to make life more bearable for citizens.

Efforts to get the reaction of the state government, however, proved abortive, as calls made to the phone of Mr Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Information and Strategy, rang out. He had also not responded to enquiries sent to his WhatsApp as of the time of filing this report.

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona at the age of 91, after 65 years on the throne.

The state government had earlier halted the selection process in January 2026, citing petitions from security agencies and stakeholders, following an earlier suspension over procedural concerns in December 2025.

A total of 95 aspirants — 94 princes and one princess — emerged from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House nomination process held in Ijebu Ode.

The leadership of Fusengbuwa, the ruling house designated to produce the next Awujale, had also recently appealed to the governor to lift the suspension on the selection process and allow the kingmakers to complete their constitutional role of choosing the new Awujale.