By John Dike, Osogbo
The Imole Campaign Council for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, to seek royal blessings ahead of the commencement of its local government campaign rallies for the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State.
The visit, led by the Chairman of the Campaign Council, Prof Wale Ladipo, and including the Director-General, Senator Lere Oyewumi, among others, came barely days after Governor Adeleke officially flagged off his re-election campaign.
They were received by the Ooni and members of his traditional council at the ancient palace in Ile-Ife.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Prof. Ladipo declared that the people of Ile-Ife remained firmly behind Adeleke because of what he described as the governor’s impressive performance and unwavering respect for traditional institutions.
According to him, the administration’s developmental strides, particularly in Ile-Ife, had endeared the governor to residents of the ancient town.
He pointed to several ongoing projects, including the flyover construction, road rehabilitation and other infrastructure interventions spread across communities in Ile-Ife and other parts of Osun State.
“Governor Adeleke recognises and respects our monarch. Our culture is important to us, and this throne is one of the most revered institutions in our lives.
“His respect for Kabiyesi is legendary and highly appreciated by the people of Ife. Beyond that, his administration has brought visible development to our city,” Ladipo said.
He maintained that the people were prepared to reward the governor’s performance with overwhelming support at the polls.
The campaign council chairman also appealed for peace before, during and after the election, stressing that the Adeleke political family remained committed to issue-based campaigns and peaceful coexistence.
“We want peace in the land because development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace. Nigeria already faces enough security challenges. We don’t want violence in Osun or in Ife. Elections should not be treated as a do-or-die affair. The people’s will should prevail,” he said.
Ladipo urged opposition parties to embrace peaceful conduct and respect the wishes of the electorate.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the campaign council, Senator Lere Oyewumi, explained that the visit to the Ooni was symbolic and necessary as the campaign machinery moved into full mobilisation mode.
He disclosed that apart from seeking royal blessings, the delegation came to appreciate the support earlier expressed by traditional rulers in Ile-Ife towards Governor Adeleke’s second-term bid.
According to him, the 16 crowned kings in Ile-Ife had earlier visited the governor and openly endorsed his re-election ambition.
“Such a gesture is rare in Yorubaland. These are highly respected traditional rulers. As a campaign council, we deemed it necessary to come and express our appreciation and assure them that Governor Adeleke will continue to make them proud if given another mandate,” Oyewumi said.
Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, called on politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the governorship election.
The revered monarch cautioned against violence and bloodshed, warning that politics should not be allowed to divide communities or destroy long-standing relationships.
The Ooni stressed that as a father to all, he remained neutral and committed to peace irrespective of political affiliations.
He noted that the outcome of the election would ultimately depend on God’s Will and the decision of the electorate, expressing optimism that the best candidate would emerge victorious.
“I am a father to all. Politics should not create enemity among brothers and neighbours. We must continue to embrace peace and unity. At the end of the day, God and the people will determine who governs the state,” the monarch said.
Among dignitaries present during the visit were the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yusuf; member representing Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Bamidele Salam; Osun Accord Party Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande; Osun PDP Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi; Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, as well as other government officials and party leaders.
The visit formed part of the Imole Campaign Council’s consultations with critical stakeholders and traditional institutions as Governor Adeleke intensifies efforts to secure a second term in office.
