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 appealed to politicians, political parties, their supporters and residents of Osun State to embrace peace, unity and the cherished Omoluabi values as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The foremost African monarch also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the remarkable progress recorded in the nation’s security architecture, particularly the recent rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Ooni, who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), made the remarks while receiving the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Munirudeen Bayo Oyebamiji, and members of the party’s campaign council during a courtesy visit to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni lauded President Tinubu’s administration for demonstrating renewed commitment to tackling insecurity across the country, noting that the successful rescue operation in Oyo State was another indication that the Federal Government’s security reforms were yielding positive results.
The Ooni urged members of the APC to remain united throughout the electioneering process, stressing that unity remains the foundation for political success and sustainable development.
He equally extended the call to all political actors across party lines, urging them to place the peace and progress of Osun State above partisan interests.
The Ooni warned against violence, bloodshed and acts capable of undermining the state’s long-standing reputation for peaceful coexistence, urging politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves with maturity before, during and after the election.
He encouraged eligible voters to freely exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation, while calling on all stakeholders to uphold the Yoruba ethos of Omoluabi, characterised by integrity, discipline, tolerance, respect and peaceful conduct.
The Ooni thereafter offered ancestral prayers for peaceful elections, divine guidance for political leaders and continued peace, stability and prosperity in Osun State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his remarks, the Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, described Ile-Ife as the ancestral source of the Yoruba race and urged the APC governorship candidate to accord the ancient city a pride of place in his developmental agenda if elected.
“Ile-Ife is the source. Let Ife occupy a prominent place in your priorities. Work closely with the Ooni because the development of Ife is critical to the progress of Osun State. When our people support you, they expect meaningful development and improved opportunities for the sons and daughters of Ife,” the monarch said.
Corroborating the position, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, charged Oyebamiji not to neglect the ancient city if elected governor, recalling the historical contributions of illustrious sons and daughters of Ile-Ife to national development.
He lamented what he described as years of inadequate attention to the development of the cradle of the Yoruba race and called for deliberate efforts to restore its deserved status through improved infrastructure and economic development. He also offered prayers for the APC standard-bearer.
Speaking on behalf of the APC campaign team, the Director-General of the Osun APC Campaign Council, Hon. Oluwole Oke, said the party deliberately commenced his mega campaign in Ile-Ife because of its spiritual and historical significance.
“We recognise Ile-Ife as the source, which is why we have come to seek royal blessings. Our party believes in fulfilling its promises and remains committed to delivering good governance to the people of Osun State,” he said.
Responding, the APC governorship candidate assured the Ooni and people of Ile-Ife that the ancient city would enjoy special attention under his administration if elected governor.
He pledged to rehabilitate major roads within Ile-Ife, including the Enuwa–Fajuyi and Aderemi–Ondo Road corridors, rebuild dilapidated public primary schools and facilitate the establishment of a modern market to stimulate commercial activities.
Oyebamiji also promised to strengthen security across Osun State by complementing the Federal Government’s ongoing security initiatives, saying the success recorded in the rescue of the abducted students and teachers in Oyo State reflected President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.
The APC candidate further outlined plans to revitalise primary healthcare centres through improved facilities and personnel, prioritise the welfare of civil servants, particularly teachers, and introduce continuous capacity-building programmes to improve teaching standards.
He disclosed that his administration would pursue initiatives aimed at improving electricity supply through partnerships with international investors while identifying agriculture as a major driver of economic growth through increased support for farmers and value-chain development.
Oyebamiji also promised to operate an inclusive government by maintaining regular consultations with traditional rulers across the state, with Ile-Ife serving as one of the major centres for stakeholder engagements.
Among the dignitaries at the event were Osun APC Chairman, Hon. Tahajudeen Lawal, Wife of the APC Governorship candidate, Dr. Sekinah Oyebamiji, APC Deputy Governorship candidate, Engr Benjamin Adereti, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, (Osun East), House of Representatives Member representing Ife Federal Constituency, Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro, former Senator representing Osun East, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Former House of Representatives Member representing Ife Federal Constituency, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, APC local government chairmen, and party leaders and other stakeholders.