As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, former Deputy Governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant, Senator Iyiola Omisore, on Thursday paid a high-profile courtesy visit to the Ile Oodua Palace of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II.
The visit, which drew significant attention across the state’s political landscape, was accompanied by a massive rally in Ile-Ife—Omisore’s hometown—where he addressed residents, party stakeholders, youth groups, and cultural leaders.
Speaking at the palace courtyard, Omisore insisted that Ile-Ife has endured decades of political marginalisation and developmental neglect despite being historically regarded as the cradle of the Yoruba race.
“Ile-Ife has paid the price for decades,” he said, arguing that the ancient city has not produced a governor since the creation of Osun State in 1991—over 33 years ago—nor received the level of infrastructural attention befitting its historical and cultural status.
He described the 2026 governorship race as an opportunity to correct what he called a long-standing imbalance in both leadership representation and developmental priorities.
“The people of Ife have remained loyal to the growth of Osun and the Yoruba nation. It is time to reward fairness with fairness,” he said.
Omisore’s arrival at the palace was marked by traditional drums, chants, and a strong display of cultural solidarity. The crowd included respected political leaders, chiefs, royal custodians, grassroots mobilisers, women organisations, and youth groups from across the state.
The aspirant expressed gratitude to Ile-Ife for its unwavering support throughout his political journey. He recalled one of the most difficult moments of his life when, according to him, the ancient city prayed for him for seven days during his incarceration at Agodi Prison.
“Ile-Ife has never failed me. Anyone who ignores Ile-Ife has ignored his own progress,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Ooni, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, reaffirmed the city’s influential role in Osun politics, noting that no candidate has emerged governor without the support of Ile-Ife people.
“The 2026 election presents a chance for the cradle of Yoruba civilization to reclaim its political relevance,” he said, stressing that the people of the ancient city also deserve improved infrastructure, economic revitalisation, and sustained government attention.
Oba Adediwura offered royal blessings for Omisore and urged residents of Ile-Ife, its suburbs, and supporters across the state to mobilise massively for the forthcoming polls.
Thursday’s engagement is widely seen as a pivotal point in Osun’s evolving political dynamics. For many observers, Omisore’s visit and the royal endorsement signal both his growing influence within the APC and the collective determination of Ile-Ife to assert itself ahead of the elections.
With the governorship race intensifying, Omisore’s message of fairness, justice, development, and political rebalancing is expected to shape ongoing conversations across the state.