Ooni of Ife Offers Prayers for Adeleke’s Re-election Victory, Modakeke Monarch Backs Second Term
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has offered prayers for the success of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in the August 15 governorship election, while the monarch of Modakeke has also declared support for the governor’s bid for a second term.
The monarchs expressed their positions on Monday when Governor Adeleke visited traditional rulers in Ile-Ife and Modakeke as part of his engagements ahead of the election.
At his palace, the Ooni, who described himself as a father to all political interests, invoked divine blessings on Adeleke, praying for mercy, grace, victory and survival for the governor.
The monarch also commended the Adeleke administration for infrastructure projects executed in Ile-Ife, particularly the Lagere Flyover and the dualised road leading to the Ooni’s palace.
“I thank the governor for this road, this bridge we have never seen before. The governor surprised us. The governor uplifted Ile-Ife. I am not a politician but we must appreciate any public official who performed well,” the Ooni said.
Oba Ogunwusi described Adeleke as a “good son”, stressing that traditional rulers had a responsibility to acknowledge positive developments in their domains irrespective of political affiliations.
At Modakeke, the town’s monarch also expressed support for Adeleke’s re-election, saying the community had benefited from projects and attention from the present administration.
“We want more of you, Mr Governor. We want you to continue in office. Our people are ready to further show support for you,” the monarch said.
He added, “By God’s grace, we will not see AMBO in Osun State,” apparently referring to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
Speaking during the engagements, Governor Adeleke appealed to his supporters to avoid confrontation with opposition supporters, urging them to channel their political preferences through the ballot.
Adeleke said his confidence in winning a second term was based on his administration’s performance and what he described as widespread support across the state.
“There are many reasons why the opposition are growing desperate. I have the numbers to win. I have the backing of the mass of our people. Don’t fight them. Use your vote to speak,” the governor said.
He also urged his supporters and other residents to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process, particularly during the distribution of electoral materials, voting and collation of results.
“Osun people have decided they need four more years of our good governance. Don’t fight them. But be vigilant. Monitor the distribution of materials. Follow the voting results to the collation centres,” Adeleke added.
The governor urged residents to use the remaining days before the election to protect the integrity of the electoral process, describing peaceful participation and vigilance as civic responsibilities.
The endorsements and prayers by the traditional rulers come ahead of the August 15 governorship election, which will see candidates from several political parties competing for the governorship of Osun State.
While the monarchs’ statements represent their expressed support for Adeleke, the final outcome of the election will be determined by voters through their ballots.
