Osun 2026: Ooni Preaches Peace, Blesses Adeleke’s Re-election Campaign

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has urged politicians and their supporters in Osun State to shun violence and embrace peaceful conduct ahead of the 2026 governorship election, stressing that political contests should not threaten the peace and unity of the state.

A statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, disclosed that the monarch gave the charge on Friday while receiving members of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s campaign structure, the Imole Campaign Council, at the Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.

The delegation, led by the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, included 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.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Oladipo said the team came to seek ancestral blessings from the revered throne of the Ooni ahead of the governorship election, describing Ile-Ife as the spiritual source of the Yoruba race.

He commended the Ooni for his role in promoting peace, unityi and development across Yorubaland and Nigeria, while Senator Oyewunmi highlighted the achievements of Governor Adeleke’s administration in infrastructure, education, healthcare and workers’ welfare.

Also speaking, Prince Adewusi expressed appreciation to the monarch for his support and prayers for the state government, assuring that the administration would continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

In separate remarks, the Lowa Adimula of Ile-Ife, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, and the Obalufe of Ile-Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, called on political actors and voters to uphold peace and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

The traditional rulers urged politicians to avoid actions capable of causing unrest and advised voters against selling their votes or succumbing to monetary inducements.

Responding, the Ooni stressed that elections should not degenerate into violence or bloodshed, urging politicians to see one another as partners in the collective task of building a better Osun State.

“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,” the monarch said.

The Ooni reiterated that he remains a father to all irrespective of political affiliation and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in Osun State, while offering special ancestral blessings for Governor Ademola Adeleke and members of the Imole Campaign Council ahead of the election.