By John Dike, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called for peace, unity and inclusive development across Osun State, urging political leaders and residents to place the interests of the people above partisan considerations.
He made the call on Sunday when Governor Ademola Adeleke visited the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife to formally present his Certificate of Return following his victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
According to a statement 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 Ooni commended Adeleke for what he described as his commitment to the development of Osun State, urging him to use his renewed mandate to promote inclusive governance and ensure that no community was left behind.
He specifically appealed for peace in Ile-Ife and across the state, expressing gratitude that the governorship election did not result in bloodshed in the ancient city.
“We want peace in Ife. We thank God that there was no bloodshed in Ife during the governorship election. We don’t want violence again in Osun,” the Ooni said.
Ooni Ogunwusi urged the governor to make the welfare and development of Ile-Ife a priority, expressing confidence that Adeleke would fulfil the promises made to the people of the ancient city.
“I trust that you will fulfil all that is necessary for Ife,” the monarch said.
The Ooni also acknowledged the contribution of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to infrastructure development in Osun State.
He commended President Tinubu for providing funds and interventions which, according to him, had supported the state government’s execution of road projects and other infrastructure across Osun, including Ile-Ife.
The monarch urged Adeleke to sustain the momentum by expanding development projects, improving infrastructure and strengthening the relationship between the government and traditional institutions.
He stressed that continued cooperation among political leaders, traditional rulers and residents remained essential to achieving sustainable peace and development in Osun State.
The governor arrived at the palace with his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi; Chairman of the Imole Campaign Council, Prof Wale Oladipo; members of the State Executive Council; and other government officials and political stakeholders.
Speaking during the visit, Adeleke described the occasion as one of thanksgiving and appreciation, saying he came to present his Certificate of Return to the monarch and seek his continued prayers and support.
He said, “We are here to praise God and to show appreciation. I came here to present the Certificate of Return. I feel Baba’s prayers. Whenever I encounter challenges, I always feel the courage that Baba has prayed for me, and I feel the prayer.”
Adeleke thanked the people of Ile-Ife for their support during the election, noting that the ancient city had continued to witness transformation under his administration.
“I thank all Ife. Ife has to look good. Ife has now changed from a town to a city. All that you have said is well noted. I want Ife to become finer,” he said.
The governor assured the people of Ile-Ife that his administration would intensify development projects immediately after his inauguration, stressing that his second term would focus on transforming Osun from a predominantly civil service-dependent state into an industrialised economy.
“Today is just appreciation. Immediately after the inauguration, work will start. Osun State will now henceforth move from a civil servant state to an industrial state,” Adeleke stated.
Earlier, the Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, congratulated the governor and urged his administration to pay greater attention to infrastructure in Ile-Ife.
The traditional ruler particularly appealed for the construction and rehabilitation of roads across the ancient city, stressing the importance of good infrastructure to economic growth and the well-being of residents.
Similarly, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, congratulated Adeleke on his electoral victory, attributing his re-election to the support of the people and the performance of his administration.
He also called on the state government to improve the facilities and general appearance of the Ife Township Stadium, urging the administration to embark on a comprehensive rehabilitation of the facility.
The Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola, also congratulated the governor and joined the call for sustained development, peace and unity among the people of the state.
