Rejoinder To The Baseless Attack On Hon. Ladi Adebutu: A Desperate Smear Campaign Masquerading As “Commentary”

It is with a deep sense of responsibility that l respond to the vitriolic publication titled “Public Commentary Urges Billionaire Kessington Adebutu to Rethink 2027 Political Support for Son”, authored by one Waliu Oladipupo and published, the 20th June, 2025 on Newsline.

This piece, littered with bile, falsehoods, and petty invective, is nothing but the rambling of a man driven by either deep-seated envy or a well-funded agenda to discredit a man who has committed his life to public service and the development of Ogun State, Hon. (Dr.) Ladi Adebutu.

It is disheartening and frankly embarrassing that, in the year 2025, some individuals still resort to mudslinging and character assassination as their sole strategy for political engagement. The recent diatribe against Hon. Dr. Oladipupo Adebutu and his respected father, Sir Dr. Kensington Adebutu is not only factually incorrect but also reeks of envy, intellectual laziness, and deliberate misinformation.

Let us set the records straight.

*1. On the Alleged Mental Capacity and Resources of Hon. Ladi Adebutu*

The claim that Hon. Ladi Adebutu lacks the mental capacity to aspire for governor is not only laughable but a slap in the face of every reasonable and informed Ogun indigene. Ladi Adebutu is not a political neophyte. He is a former member of the House of Representatives, where he served with distinction. He was the Chairman, House Committee on Rural Development, and used his office to attract massive infrastructural projects to underserved communities in Ogun State.

His academic background and legislative accomplishments are documented and accessible. To question his mental capacity is not only defamatory but a desperate tactic employed by those who fear his rising popularity and grassroots appeal.

*2. The Shameful Attacks on Sir Dr. Kensington Adebutu*

Dragging Sir Dr. Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu (a.k.a. Baba Ijebu) into political mudslinging is not just disrespectful; it is cowardly. Here is a man whose life story embodies self-made success, philanthropy, and national development. Sir Kensington has uplifted thousands from poverty through scholarships, infrastructure, and employment.

If his support for his son is now being twisted into an act of imposition, then what shall we say of politicians who have ridden to power purely on the backs of godfathers with no record of service or philanthropy?

Nigerians know the difference between a selfless mentor and a self-serving puppet master. Sir Kensington’s support for Ladi is born out of confidence in his ability—not desperation for a legacy. His legacy is already sealed in gold through decades of verifiable impact across Nigeria.

*3. On the Misleading Narrative of Inheritance and Dependency*

The claim that Ladi Adebutu has never built anything on his own is a calculated lie. Hon. Adebutu is a known entrepreneur and agriculturist. His Solomon Kessington Agro-Allied Investments and animal husbandry ventures have employed hundreds directly and indirectly in Ogun State. He has contributed immensely to agricultural development, pioneering modern farming techniques and livestock management at a time when most politicians were fixated on urban politics.

The reference to his inherited properties or family wealth is nothing but a shallow attempt to shame success. Let us be clear: being born into wealth is not a crime. It is what one does with that privilege that defines character. Hon. Ladi Adebutu has used his access and exposure to better the lives of countless Ogun indigenes. Is that not what leadership demands?

*4. Mocking a Vision for Ogun State: A Sign of Intellectual Bankruptcy*

To reduce the LADO 2027 movement to a “charade” is to insult the dreams of thousands of Ogun citizens who see in him a refreshing alternative. People are tired of recycled leaders who only remember the masses during elections. What Hon. Ladi Adebutu offers a vision of inclusive development, job creation, agricultural revitalization, and youth empowerment.

If these are the qualities that frighten his detractors, then we know where their fears lie. His record of service, empathy for the common man, and clean reputation stand in stark contrast to many of his critics whose only political capital is to scream louder and sling dirt harder.

*5. A Word to the Writers and Enablers of This Slander*

The writer, Waliu Oladipupo, and others like him must understand that Ogun State is not a playground for bitter men or envious scribes who think attacking a man’s family and a person constitutes intelligent discourse. Democracy thrives on healthy debate, not hate campaigns. If the opposition has any alternative ideas or credible candidates, let them present such. But what we will not tolerate is the cowardly weaponization of lies against noble men.

*IN CONCLUSION*

Hon. Dr. Oladipupo Adebutu remains a man of integrity, capacity, and empathy. He has served, he has built, and he has led. The Adebutu family has given more to Ogun State than most political dynasties combined—and they’ve done so quietly, consistently, and without strings attached.

Let those who fear progress continue to wail. But let it be known that no volume of vitriol, however well-written, can erase a legacy grounded in service and compassion.

Ogun State deserves a leader with vision, values, and verifiable results. Hon. Ladi Adebutu fits that role and no amount of propaganda will change that.

*(c) Deep Thinkers.*