The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has cautioned politicians in Osun State against violence, hate campaigns, and actions capable of disrupting the peace of the state ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) gave the warning on Friday evening while receiving executives and members of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s campaign structure, the Imole Campaign Council, at his Ile-Oodua palace in Ile-Ife.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the delegation was led by the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, alongside the Chairman of the Campaign Council, Prof. Wale Oladipo; Director-General, Senator Lere Oyewunmi; Deputy Director-General, Hon. Kolapo Alimi, and other prominent members of the council.
The team visited the ancient city of Ile-Ife, regarded as the cradle of the Yoruba race, to seek ancestral blessings from the Ooni ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Prof. Wale Oladipo said the visit underscored the campaign council’s recognition of Ile-Ife as the spiritual and cultural source of the Yoruba people.
“Before embarking on the re-election campaign, we considered it important to come to Ile-Ife, the source and spiritual home of the Yoruba race, to receive ancestral blessings from Your Imperial Majesty. We believe that blessings from this revered throne will strengthen our efforts and guide us towards success,” he said.
Oladipo commended the Ooni for his consistent role in promoting peace, unity, and development across Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole, describing him as a father figure whose influence transcends political affiliations.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the campaign council, Senator Lere Oyewunmi, praised the Ooni for his unwavering commitment to national unity and his support for initiatives that foster development and harmony among the people.
He noted that the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke had recorded significant achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and workers’ welfare, assuring the Ooni that the campaign would be conducted peacefully and responsibly.
The Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, expressed appreciation to the Ooni for his fatherly support and prayers for the state government.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy to the people of Osun State.
In his remarks, the Lowa Adimula of Ile-Ife, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, urged politicians across party lines to embrace peace and avoid actions capable of causing unrest before, during, and after the election.
The respected traditional ruler appealed to political leaders to ensure that Ile-Ife receives its fair share of political appointments and developmental projects.
“Do not use and abandon us after elections. Give Ile-Ife deserving political positions and opportunities. The history of this nation and the contributions of Ile-Ife to the development of Nigeria cannot be overlooked. The legacy of great leaders such as the late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, who served as Governor of the Western Region, remains a testament to the significance of this ancient city,” he said.
Similarly, the Obalufe of Ile-Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, urged politicians and citizens alike to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
He advised voters not to sell their votes or allow themselves to be influenced by monetary inducements, stressing that the power to determine the future of the state rests in the hands of the electorate.
“Do not bring shame to Ile-Ife. This administration has brought notable development to our land, and it is important for citizens to participate actively in the democratic process. Your vote is your power; do not trade it for temporary gains,” he stated.
Responding, the Ooni emphasized that political contests should never be allowed to degenerate into violence or bloodshed.
The Ooni urged political leaders and their supporters to see one another as partners in the collective task of building a better Osun State rather than enemies.
“Elections should not divide us. Politicians must remain friends even after campaigns. Do not fight, do not shed blood, and do not allow political differences to destroy relationships. We must learn to coexist peacefully for the progress of our state and nation.
“Look at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; he has continued to demonstrate commitment and goodwill towards the development of Nigeria. Leadership requires patience, understanding, and a genuine desire to serve the people.
“As the Ooni of Ife, I belong to everybody. I remain the father to all irrespective of political affiliation. I am for all, but I know that it is the will of God and the choice of the people that will ultimately prevail. May the best candidate win. Let us all remain united and committed to peace,” the Ooni said.
The Ooni thereafter offered special ancestral prayers and royal blessings for Governor Ademola Adeleke, members of the Imole Campaign Council, and the peace, progress, and prosperity of Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election
0 Comments