The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has received the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, at the historic Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, where he offered ancestral blessings ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial contest.
The Ooni, who serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), hosted the APC flagbearer during a high-level courtesy visit that underscored the enduring relationship between political leadership and traditional institutions.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the APC candidate was accompanied by his running mate, Kayode Adereti; the Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal; alongside party leaders, loyalists, and supporters.
The delegation was warmly received by the Ooni in the company of prominent traditional rulers, including the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, and other dignitaries.
Speaking during the visit, Oyebamiji expressed deep appreciation for the Ooni’s unwavering commitment to the promotion of Yoruba unity, cultural preservation, and national cohesion. He disclosed that his decision to visit Ile-Ife was guided by the counsel of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who advised him to seek royal blessings from the source before formally commencing his campaign.
Oyebamiji noted that President Tinubu highlighted the historical and spiritual significance of Ile-Ife as the cradle of Yoruba civilization, recalling that notable leaders, including the late sage Obafemi Awolowo, sought ancestral blessings from the ancient throne before attaining political success.
“I told Mr. President that I would be coming to your palace to seek your blessings before flagging off our campaign. He encouraged me to do so, stressing the importance of receiving blessings from this ancient stool,” Oyebamiji stated.
The APC candidate further assured the monarch and the people of Ile-Ife of his commitment to transparent governance and inclusive development if elected.
“We are here for your royal blessings. Before we begin our campaign, we seek your support and prayers. Ile-Ife is the source of our heritage, and its support is vital. I assure Your Majesty that I will prioritise the development of Ife and Osun State as a whole,” he added.
In his response, the Ooni commended Oyebamiji’s humility, discipline, and respect for traditional institutions, describing such qualities as foundational to effective and people-oriented leadership.
The monarch stressed the importance of unity among political stakeholders, noting that leadership must be anchored on service, sacrifice, and collective progress rather than division.
The Ooni also acknowledged the leadership efforts of President Tinubu, urging Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the success of his administration. He reiterated the non-partisan role of traditional rulers, emphasizing their responsibility as custodians of unity and peace across political divides.
“An Oba is not a politician; we belong to all. There must be unity, not division. To those who may feel aggrieved within your ranks, I urge reconciliation. After receiving blessings, it is important to justify them through good deeds,” the Ooni advised.
The visit culminated in special ancestral prayers offered by the Ooni for Oyebamiji, invoking divine guidance, wisdom, and success as he prepares for the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.
