The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has offered prayers for the success and re-election of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
The monarch made his position known on Monday, August 10, 2026, during Governor Adeleke’s visit to the palace of the Ooni in Ile-Ife, where he praised the governor for what he described as significant infrastructural development in the ancient city.
The Ooni, who engaged in traditional prayers and invocations for mercy, grace, victory and protection for the governor, said Adeleke had demonstrated commitment to the development of Ile-Ife and deserved recognition for his performance.
The monarch specifically cited the construction of the Lagere Flyover and the dualisation of the road leading to the Ooni’s palace as major projects that had transformed the city.
“I thank the governor for this road, this bridge we have never seen before. The governor surprised us. The governor uplifted Ile-Ife,” the monarch said.
He stressed that his commendation was not based on partisan politics, noting that as a father to all, he had a responsibility to acknowledge public officials who performed well.
“I am not a politician but we must appreciate any public official who performed well. I am a father of all. A father has many children—the smart and the otherwise. This governor is a good son. We have all seen his good job,” he added.
The Ooni also recalled that there had initially been doubts over the completion of the projects but said the people of Ile-Ife were now appreciative of the governor’s commitment to the town’s development.
At the palace of the Ooni, the monarch’s prayers reportedly drew responses of “Amen” from traditional rulers, chiefs and other dignitaries present.
Similarly, the royal father of Modakeke expressed support for Adeleke’s administration and prayed for the governor’s success at the polls.
The Modakeke monarch said his community had not previously experienced the level of attention it had received from Adeleke’s administration, adding that requests presented to the governor by community stakeholders had been fulfilled.
“We want more of you, Mr Governor. We want you to continue in office. Our people are ready to further show support for you,” the monarch said.
He added, “By God’s grace, we will not see Amubo in Osun State.”
Speaking at both royal palaces, Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued development across Osun State and urged residents not to return the state to what he described as a “dark era.”
The governor said the commendations from traditional rulers would motivate his administration to do more, promising that his government would continue working to retain the confidence of the people through improved performance.
Adeleke also expressed confidence in his chances of securing re-election, saying his administration had the support of a large section of the electorate.
“There are many reasons why the opposition are growing desperate. I have the numbers to win. I have the backing of mass of our people. Don’t fight them. Use your vote to speak,” he said.
He urged his supporters to remain vigilant during the election, particularly in monitoring the distribution of electoral materials and following the results from polling units through the collation process.
The governor said he believed Osun residents had decided to give his administration another four years to continue its development agenda.
“Sacrifice these two or three days to be like civilian vigilante. The victory is ours as we have the people and God. By next week, we shall be celebrating a victory granted by God and Osun people,” Adeleke declared.
