The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters, and residents of Osun State to ensure a peaceful and violence-free governorship election in 2026.
Drivetvnews gathered that the monarch made the appeal on Thursday while receiving the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, alongside members of the party’s campaign council during a courtesy visit to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.
Oba Ogunwusi, who also serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), urged all political stakeholders to conduct their campaigns peacefully and place the state’s peace and stability above political interests.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as improvements in Nigeria’s security architecture, citing the recent rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as evidence of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity.
The monarch stressed that unity remains essential for electoral success and sustainable development, calling on the APC and other political parties to maintain peace throughout the electioneering process.
He warned politicians and their supporters against violence, intimidation, and any actions capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in Osun State. He also encouraged eligible voters to participate in the election without fear or intimidation.
Oba Ogunwusi urged all stakeholders to uphold the Yoruba values of Omoluabi, which emphasize integrity, discipline, tolerance, respect, and peaceful conduct. He further prayed for peaceful elections, wise leadership, and continued peace and prosperity in Osun State and Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the APC campaign council, its Director-General, Oluwole Oke, said the party deliberately launched its mega campaign in Ile-Ife because of the city’s historical and spiritual significance.
He noted that the party came to seek the royal blessings of the Ooni and reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and delivering good governance to the people of Osun State.
In his remarks, APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji assured the monarch and the people of Ile-Ife that the ancient city would receive priority attention if he is elected governor.
He pledged to rehabilitate key roads, including the Enuwa–Fajuyi and Aderemi–Ondo Road corridors, rebuild dilapidated public primary schools, establish a modern market, strengthen security, improve primary healthcare services, prioritise workers’ welfare, and attract investments to enhance electricity supply.
Oyebamiji also promised to increase investment in agriculture by supporting farmers and strengthening agricultural value chains. He assured traditional rulers that his administration would maintain regular consultations with them if elected.
