Osun 2026: Ooni Goes Spiritual, Prays for Adeleke’s Victory as Modakeke Monarch Warns Rivals

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Monday invoked God and traditional spiritual forces for the victory and survival of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The development was contained in a statement signed by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, who said the Ooni made the invocation at his palace in Ile-Ife during a visit by the governor.

The monarch, who received Adeleke alongside traditional rulers, chiefs and other prominent indigenes, reportedly offered prayers for mercy, grace, victory and success for the governor, with members of the gathering responding with “Amen.”

Speaking at the occasion, the Ooni praised Adeleke for what he described as his administration’s developmental strides in Ile-Ife, particularly the construction of the Lagere flyover and the dualisation of the road leading to the palace.

“I thank the governor for this road, this bridge we have never seen before. The governor surprised us. The governor uplifted Ile-Ife. I am not a politician but we must appreciate any public official who performed well,” the monarch was quoted as saying.

The Ooni described himself as a father to all political interests in the state, saying his commendation of Adeleke was based on the governor’s performance and not partisan politics.

“A father has many children — the smart and the otherwise. This governor is a good son. We have all seen his good job,” he said.

The monarch also recalled that there had initially been doubts over the completion of the projects but noted that the governor eventually delivered them.

At Modakeke, the town’s traditional ruler also expressed support for Adeleke, saying the community had never witnessed such attention from government.

“We want more of you, Mr Governor. We want you to continue in office. Our people are ready to further show support for you. By God’s grace, we will not see Amubo in Osun State,” the monarch declared.

Responding to the endorsements, Adeleke pledged to sustain his administration’s development agenda, urging the people of Osun not to return the state to what he described as the “dark era.”

The governor also urged his supporters to remain peaceful but vigilant during the election, particularly in monitoring the distribution of electoral materials and following the results through the various collation centres.

“There are many reasons why the opposition are growing desperate. I have the numbers to win. I have the backing of the mass of our people. Don’t fight them. Use your vote to speak,” Adeleke said.

He added: “Osun people have decided they need four more years of our good governance. Don’t fight them. But be vigilant. Monitor the distribution of materials. Follow the voting results to the collation centres.”

Adeleke expressed confidence that his administration would emerge victorious, attributing the anticipated victory to the support of the people and divine intervention.

“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,” he said.