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 received leaders of the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) at the ancient Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, where he offered royal blessings for the group’s campaign activities ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State and commended the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the delegation, led by the National Chairman of SWAGA, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the foremost African monarch to seek his ancestral blessings before the official launch of the group’s campaign in Osogbo and rally support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
Welcoming the delegation, the Ooni praised members of SWAGA for their unity, political maturity and peaceful disposition, describing their conduct as worthy of emulation.
The Ooni urged political stakeholders across party lines to ensure that campaigns remained peaceful, issue-based and devoid of violence, stressing that the collective interest of Osun State must always take precedence over partisan considerations.
While offering ancestral prayers for the state and the nation, Ooni Ogunwusi expressed optimism that the forthcoming governorship election would be peaceful, free and credible.
The revered monarch also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for what he described as significant strides in national development, particularly in infrastructure renewal, housing development and empowerment initiatives.
“I am happy you are all here. We will continue to work together for the progress of our country. I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the various developmental initiatives his administration is implementing across the country, especially in infrastructure, housing and empowerment programmes.
“I pray that Olodumare grants peace to Osun State before, during and after the governorship election. May our democratic process continue to strengthen the unity and development of our dear nation. Thank you for coming, and may God bless your efforts,” the Ooni said.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission, Mrs. Ayo Omidiran, commended the Ooni for his fatherly role in fostering peaceful coexistence and national unity.
She said the delegation deemed it necessary to seek the monarch’s royal blessings before embarking on campaigns across the state in support of the APC governorship candidate.
“The Ooni has consistently remained a symbol of peace, unity and stability. It is only proper that we come before him to receive his prayers and blessings before commencing this important political assignment,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye described the Ooni as a highly revered traditional ruler whose blessings had continued to inspire political leaders and contribute to successful democratic outings.
He recalled that members of SWAGA had equally visited the Ooni before the 2023 presidential election to seek royal blessings for the then-presidential aspiration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the group remained convinced of the importance of the monarch’s prayers.
“We have come to receive your blessings before launching SWAGA 2.0 in Osogbo. Before every major assignment, we always seek your prayers because of your unique position as the custodian of our heritage and a father to all.
“We appreciate your unwavering support over the years. We have continued to witness remarkable progress in Ile-Ife under your reign.
“We are equally proud of the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly in infrastructure development, education through the NELFUND initiative, road construction, economic reforms and efforts aimed at stabilising the nation’s economy.
“We are also here to seek your blessings for our governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, believing that with God’s guidance and your royal prayers, he will emerge victorious in the forthcoming election,” Adeyeye said.