Ladi Adebutu, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 Ogun State elections, revealed the reason behind his defeat to Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the 92nd remembrance ceremony of his great-grandfather, Pa Alimi Adebutu, held in Ijeun-Akoni, Odeda Local Government Area, Adebutu disclosed that he lost due to his refusal to engage in violence.
The PDP chieftain explained that despite alleged provocations by hoodlums reportedly sponsored by the ruling party, he maintained a stance against retaliatory violence.
Reflecting on his great-grandfather’s legacy, Adebutu highlighted the importance of benevolence and community service, which earned Pa Adebutu admiration even decades after his passing.
Speaking to Newsmen after the prayer session, he stated, “I believe in life after death, that is me. That is why you will see in the kind of politics that I play. You will never see violence, you will never see desperation.
“One reason why 99 polling booths in the last elections were destroyed was because I refused that my people should repay violence with violence. I cannot be part of the process of spilling blood. I can’t. This is because I believe life continues after death. I am always being careful.”
“It’s good to be good. After 92 years, these people have not forgotten him. They spoke glowingly of him. When he died, they refused that his corpse should be taken home because the man served the community well. When you do well, your legacy lingers,” he added.
Responding to Adebutu’s remarks, the APC spokesperson in Ogun State, Tunde Oldunjoye, dismissed them as post-election campaigning tactics.
Oladunjoye articulated, “Let him be campaigning after election. The public knew those who engaged in violence and other criminalities. they are not that forgetful.
“Adebutu should concentrate on his ongoing trial for vote buying.
“He has traced his great/grandfather to Odeda? Very funny. We have no response to make, this man is looking for cheap popularity; he has already commenced campaigning for the 2027 election in April of 2024,” he disclosed.
