By John Dike, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election, describing the renewed mandate as an opportunity to advance the development of the state.
The Ooni, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), urged Governor Adeleke to use his second term to promote unity, reconciliation and purposeful governance.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch said the conclusion of the election should mark the beginning of a new chapter for Osun State.
He urged political actors, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to put their differences aside and unite in the interest of the people.
According to the Ooni, while elections are naturally characterised by competition and divergent political interests, the end of the electoral process requires all stakeholders to embrace peace and work together for the progress of the state.
“Your victory comes with a renewed responsibility to serve the entire people of Osun State, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic background, religious belief or geographical location.
“The election is over, but the work of building a stronger, more prosperous and peaceful Osun has only just begun,” he said.
The traditional ruler commended the people of Osun for exercising their civic responsibility and urged Governor Adeleke to extend an olive branch to his political opponents and work toward healing divisions that may have emerged during the electioneering period.
He said the governor’s second term should transcend partisan considerations and focus on policies and projects capable of producing lasting benefits for residents.
The Ooni urged the administration to give greater attention to youth empowerment, employment creation, education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and the creative economy, describing the sectors as critical to the sustainable development of the state.
He also commended the administration for its ongoing infrastructural projects across Osun, including the recently completed Lagere Flyover in Ile-Ife and the road dualisation project linking Mayfair to Enuwa.
The monarch, however, urged the government to sustain the momentum and extend development to other communities across the state.
The Ooni said Osun must now move beyond political competition and focus on economic development, collaboration and improved opportunities for its citizens.
“Osun is richly endowed with human and cultural resources. Our state must now move from political competition to economic competition, from electioneering to development, and from division to collaboration.
“We must build an Osun where our young people can find opportunities, where businesses can thrive, where our cultural heritage can drive tourism and investment, and where every community feels the presence of government,” he said.
He further called for stronger collaboration between the state government and the traditional institution, stressing that traditional rulers remain important partners in maintaining peace, mobilising communities and promoting grassroots development.
The Ooni assured the governor of the continued support of the traditional institution for initiatives aimed at promoting peace, cultural preservation, youth development, tourism and economic growth.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, election officials, observers, the media and other stakeholders for their roles in the conduct of the election.
The monarch urged Adeleke to regard his re-election as a call to greater service and make his second term a legacy-building period that would leave a lasting impact on present and future generations.
He prayed for wisdom, strength and divine guidance for the governor as he continues his service to the people of Osun.
“May this renewed mandate bring greater peace, prosperity and development to Osun State. May your second term unite the people, strengthen our institutions and open new opportunities for our youths and communities.
“Once again, I congratulate His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke. The election is behind us; the future of Osun is before us. Let us all unite and build it together,” the Ooni stated.
