The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has called for peace, unity and inclusive development in Osun State as Governor Ademola Adeleke formally presented his Certificate of Return to the monarch following his victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Governor Adeleke, accompanied by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, Chairman of the Imole Campaign Council, Professor Wale Oladipo, members of the State Executive Council and other government officials and political stakeholders, visited the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife on Sunday evening as part of activities following his re-election.
The governor described the visit as an occasion of thanksgiving and appreciation, saying he came to present his Certificate of Return to the Ooni and seek the monarch’s continued prayers and support.
“We are here to praise God and to show appreciation. I came here to present the Certificate of Return. I feel Baba’s prayers. Whenever I encounter challenges, I always feel the courage that Baba has prayed for me, and I feel the prayer,” Adeleke said.
He expressed appreciation to the people of Ile-Ife for their support during the election, while highlighting the transformation witnessed in the ancient city under his administration.
“I thank all Ife. Ife has to look good. Ife has now changed from a town to a city. All that you have said is well noted. I want Ife to become finer,” the governor said.
Adeleke further assured that his administration would resume development projects with renewed intensity after his inauguration, declaring that the state would pursue a transition from a predominantly civil service-based economy to an industrialised one.
“Today is just appreciation. Immediately after the inauguration, work will start. Osun State will now henceforth move from a civil servant state to an industrial state,” he stated.
The visit also provided an opportunity for traditional rulers to present key development priorities for Ile-Ife and other parts of the state.
The Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, appealed to the governor to give greater attention to infrastructure in Ile-Ife, particularly the construction and rehabilitation of roads, while urging the administration to keep the interests of the ancient city firmly within its development agenda.
Similarly, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, congratulated Adeleke on his electoral victory and called for the rehabilitation and improvement of the Ife Township Stadium.
The Obalufe urged the state government to undertake comprehensive work on the facility to improve its appearance, functionality and usefulness to residents and sporting activities.
The Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola, also congratulated the governor and joined the call for sustained development, peace and unity across Osun State.
In his remarks, the Ooni commended Governor Adeleke for his commitment to the development of the state and urged him to use his renewed mandate to pursue inclusive governance and ensure that communities across Osun benefit from government projects.
The monarch particularly emphasised the importance of maintaining peace in Ile-Ife and across the state, noting that the absence of bloodshed in Ile-Ife during the election was a development worth preserving.
“We want peace in Ife. We thank God that there was no bloodshed in Ife during the governorship election. We don’t want violence again in Osun,” the Ooni said.
Ooni Ogunwusi also urged the governor to prioritise the welfare and development of Ile-Ife, expressing confidence that Adeleke would fulfil the commitments made to the people of the ancient city.
“I trust that you will fulfil all that is necessary for Ife,” the Ooni said.
The Ooni further acknowledged the role of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in supporting infrastructure development in Osun State.
He specifically commended the President for the funds and interventions which, according to him, had contributed to the execution of road projects and other infrastructure across the state, including Ile-Ife.
The monarch urged the governor to sustain the momentum by expanding development initiatives, improving infrastructure and strengthening collaboration between the government and traditional institutions.
The visit ended with a renewed emphasis on peace, development and cooperation as Governor Adeleke begins preparations for his next term in office.