There was palpable tension in Ilaro, the headquarters of Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Wednesday, as traditional rulers from across Yewaland reportedly staged a dramatic walkout during a closed-door meeting with the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu.

The meeting, convened at the instance of the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, was said to have been aimed at engaging the royal fathers ahead of the 2027 governorship election. However, what was expected to be a cordial consultation reportedly ended in disagreement as the monarchs unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to the Ogun West governorship project.

According to multiple sources familiar with the meeting, the traditional rulers insisted that their position on the 2027 governorship race remains unchanged, declaring that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, remains the consensus choice of Yewaland.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the meeting, disclosed that efforts by Adebutu to persuade the monarchs to support his governorship ambition were politely but firmly rejected.

The source further alleged that an attempt to offer financial gifts to the royal fathers was also turned down, as the monarchs maintained that no amount of monetary inducement could alter what they described as the collective aspiration of the Yewa people.

“The atmosphere became tense when it became obvious that the monarchs were not ready to shift their position. They made it clear that Yewaland has taken a decision and there is no room for compromise. Some of the royal fathers chose to leave the meeting after reiterating their stance,” the source said.

Another traditional ruler, who also requested anonymity, said the decision was not personal against any aspirant but was driven by the long-standing quest for political equity and fairness in Ogun State.

He explained that the monarchs were united by the belief that Ogun West, being the only senatorial district yet to produce a democratically elected governor since the state’s creation in 1976, deserves the opportunity in 2027.

“We have waited for decades. Ogun East and Ogun Central have both produced governors, but Ogun West has remained on the sidelines. This is not just about politics; it is about justice, fairness and inclusion. We cannot afford to miss this historic opportunity,” the monarch reportedly said.

Sources at the meeting further revealed that several prominent stakeholders from Yewa and Awori communities have continued consultations in recent weeks to ensure that the district speaks with one voice ahead of the next election cycle.

The renewed endorsement of Senator Adeola is said to be part of a broader political strategy aimed at preventing division within Ogun West and strengthening the district’s bargaining power ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.

Political observers believe the latest development may further reshape the political landscape in Ogun State, particularly as political consultations intensify despite the election still being months away.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu nor his media team had issued an official statement regarding the reported incident. Similarly, the Yewa Traditional Council had not released any formal communiqué on the outcome of the meeting.

If confirmed, the development is expected to heighten political activities in Ogun State as parties and aspirants continue consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship election.