The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, on Friday received the Director-General of the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign for the 2026 election, Hon. Wole Oke, alongside other top party leaders at the historic Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.
In a statement on Friday evening by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the delegation included Kayode Adereti, running mate to the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, the Osun APC Chairman, Tahajudeen Lawal, Prince Adebayo Adeleke Banik, Director-General for Osun Central Campaign, and other key stakeholders of the party. The visit formed part of strategic consultations ahead of the official commencement of the APC governorship campaign in the state.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Oke commended the Ooni for his unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of the Yoruba race, describing him as a custodian of culture and a rallying point for peace and development.
He noted that the delegation deemed it necessary to seek royal blessings and prayers from the revered monarch before embarking on their campaign activities.
“Before we kick-start our governorship campaign, we have come to seek your royal blessings and prayers. Osun is a land blessed with great heritage, and we recognise the importance of traditional institutions in guiding the affairs of society,” he said.
Oke also took a swipe at the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, alleging shortcomings in governance, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, and youth employment.
He maintained that the APC is committed to restoring effective governance and improving the welfare of the people.
He however, expressed confidence in the candidacy of Bola Oyebamiji, describing him as a humble and reliable leader who understands the needs of the people and holds traditional institutions in high regard.
In his response, the Ooni, who is also Co-Chairmen of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, lauded the delegation for recognising the relevance of traditional rulers in governance and societal development.
He described Hon. Wole Oke as a humble and respectful leader and urged all political actors to prioritise peace, unity, and the collective interest of the people.
“You are all my children. I appreciate your respect for the traditional institution. Leadership must be rooted in sincerity and a genuine desire to serve the people,” the monarch stated.
The Ooni also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts at strengthening the nation and promoting policies such as the devolution of powers.
He called on Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the success of the President’s administration.
The revered monarch thereafter offered ancestral prayers and royal blessings for Hon. Wole Oke, Bola Oyebamiji and other APC leaders, charging them to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in line with democratic principles.
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