The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on political actors in Osun State to uphold peace, civility and issue-based campaigns ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, as he received a delegation of the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) at the Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.
The royal visit, led by SWAGA National Chairman, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, was part of the group’s engagement ahead of the official commencement of its campaign activities in support of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Senior Media Officer at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the delegation sought the monarch’s royal blessings before embarking on campaign activities across Osun State.
Welcoming the visitors, the Ooni commended members of SWAGA for their unity, discipline and peaceful approach to political engagement, describing their conduct as exemplary.
The foremost traditional ruler stressed the importance of maintaining peace throughout the electioneering period, urging politicians and their supporters to place the collective interest of Osun State above partisan considerations.
He expressed optimism that the forthcoming governorship election would be peaceful, free and credible while offering prayers for the continued progress of Osun State and Nigeria.
The monarch also applauded the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as notable efforts in national development, particularly in the areas of infrastructure renewal, housing and empowerment programmes.
“I am happy you are all here. We will continue to work together for the progress of our country. I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the various developmental initiatives his administration is implementing across the country, especially in infrastructure, housing and empowerment programmes.
“I pray that Olodumare grants peace to Osun State before, during and after the governorship election. May our democratic process continue to strengthen the unity and development of our dear nation. Thank you for coming, and may God bless your efforts,” the Ooni said.
Earlier, Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission, Mrs. Ayo Omidiran, said the delegation considered it important to seek the monarch’s blessings before commencing campaign activities in support of the APC candidate.
She described the Ooni as a symbol of peace, unity and stability whose leadership continues to promote harmony and national cohesion.
“The Ooni has consistently remained a symbol of peace, unity and stability. It is only proper that we come before him to receive his prayers and blessings before commencing this important political assignment,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye described the Ooni as a highly respected traditional ruler whose prayers and fatherly guidance have continued to inspire political leaders.
He recalled that SWAGA members also visited the monarch before the 2023 presidential election to seek royal blessings for the presidential aspiration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the group considers the Ooni’s prayers an important part of its major political engagements.
“We have come to receive your blessings before launching SWAGA 2.0 in Osogbo. Before every major assignment, we always seek your prayers because of your unique position as the custodian of our heritage and a father to all.
“We appreciate your unwavering support over the years. We have continued to witness remarkable progress in Ile-Ife under your reign.
“We are equally proud of the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly in infrastructure development, education through the NELFUND initiative, road construction, economic reforms and efforts aimed at stabilising the nation’s economy.
“We are also here to seek your blessings for our governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, believing that with God’s guidance and your royal prayers, he will emerge victorious in the forthcoming election,” Adeyeye said.