The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on political parties, candidates, supporters and residents of Osun State to embrace peace, unity and the cherished Yoruba Omoluabi values as preparations gather momentum for the 2026 governorship election.
The revered monarch made the appeal while receiving the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), alongside members of the party’s campaign council during a courtesy visit to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.
The royal father also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as significant improvements in Nigeria’s security architecture, citing the recent rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as evidence that ongoing security reforms are yielding positive results.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch noted that the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to addressing insecurity is beginning to restore public confidence and strengthen national stability.
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), urged members of the APC to remain united throughout the electioneering period, stressing that political success is built on cohesion, discipline and collective purpose.
Extending the message beyond party lines, he appealed to all political stakeholders to place the peace, stability and development of Osun State above partisan interests. He warned against violence, intimidation and any act capable of disrupting the state’s long-standing reputation for peaceful coexistence.
The monarch further encouraged eligible voters to freely exercise their constitutional rights without fear, while urging politicians and their supporters to uphold the Yoruba ethos of Omoluabi, characterised by integrity, tolerance, respect, discipline and responsible conduct.
He concluded by offering ancestral prayers for peaceful elections, divine wisdom for political leaders and continued peace, progress and prosperity across Osun State and Nigeria.
Earlier, the Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, described Ile-Ife as the ancestral home of the Yoruba race and urged the APC governorship candidate to accord the ancient city the priority it deserves if elected governor.
He emphasised that the development of Ile-Ife remains central to the overall progress of Osun State, noting that the people expect tangible infrastructural development and improved opportunities.
Similarly, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, charged Oyebamiji not to neglect the cradle of Yoruba civilisation. He lamented what he described as years of inadequate attention to the ancient city despite its historical contributions to national development, calling for deliberate investments in infrastructure and economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of the APC campaign team, the Director-General of the Osun APC Campaign Council, Hon. Oluwole Oke, said the party deliberately chose Ile-Ife as the starting point of its governorship campaign because of the city’s spiritual and historical importance to the Yoruba people.
He noted that the visit was aimed at seeking royal blessings while reaffirming the party’s commitment to delivering responsible governance and fulfilling its promises to the people of Osun State.
Responding, the APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Munirudeen Bayo Oyebamiji, assured the Ooni and the people of Ile-Ife that the ancient city would occupy a prominent place in his administration if elected governor.
He pledged to rehabilitate major roads within Ile-Ife, including the Enuwa–Fajuyi and Aderemi–Ondo Road corridors, rebuild dilapidated public primary schools and facilitate the establishment of a modern market to boost commerce and economic activities.
Oyebamiji also promised to strengthen security across Osun State by complementing the Federal Government’s ongoing security initiatives, describing the successful rescue of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and their teachers as a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
The APC flagbearer further outlined plans to revitalise primary healthcare centres through improved facilities and personnel, prioritise the welfare of civil servants—particularly teachers—and introduce continuous professional development programmes to enhance the quality of education.
He added that his administration would pursue strategic partnerships with international investors to improve electricity supply while expanding support for agriculture through increased investment in farming and value-chain development.
Oyebamiji also pledged to operate an inclusive government by maintaining regular consultations with traditional rulers across Osun State, identifying Ile-Ife as one of the major centres for stakeholder engagement and policy consultation.
The visit was attended by several APC leaders and stakeholders, including Osun APC Chairman, Hon. Tajudeen Lawal; the wife of the governorship candidate, Dr. Sekinah Oyebamiji; Deputy Governorship Candidate, Engr. Benjamin Adereti; Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi; Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro; Senator Babajide Omoworare; Hon. Rotimi Makinde; APC local government chairmen, party leaders and other dignitaries.