Ooni Congratulates Adeleke on Re-election, Calls for Unity
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election, describing the victory as a fresh mandate and an opportunity to further develop the state.
The monarch, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), urged political leaders and stakeholders in the state to put their differences aside and work together for the progress of Osun.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni said the conclusion of the election should usher in a new era of unity, reconciliation and purposeful governance in the state.
He noted that although elections were often marked by competition and differences in political interests, the end of the electoral process should bring all stakeholders together in the interest of the people.
“Your victory comes with a renewed responsibility to serve the entire people of Osun State, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic background, religious belief or geographical location.
“The election is over, but the work of building a stronger, more prosperous and peaceful Osun has only just begun,” the Ooni said.
The monarch commended the people of Osun for exercising their civic responsibility and called on political actors, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to embrace peace following the election.
He particularly urged Governor Adeleke to extend an olive branch to his political opponents and work towards healing the divisions that may have emerged during the electioneering period.
The Ooni said Adeleke’s second term should be used to consolidate the achievements of his administration and pursue policies and projects that would have a lasting impact on the people of the state.
He urged the governor to pay greater attention to youth empowerment, employment generation, education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and the creative economy.
The monarch also commended the state government for its infrastructure projects, including the recently completed Lagere Flyover in Ile-Ife and the road dualisation project linking Mayfair to Enuwa.
He, however, urged the administration to sustain the pace of development and extend similar projects to other communities across the state.
The Ooni said, “Osun is richly endowed with human and cultural resources. Our state must now move from political competition to economic competition, from electioneering to development, and from division to collaboration.
“We must build an Osun where our young people can find opportunities, where businesses can thrive, where our cultural heritage can drive tourism and investment, and where every community feels the presence of government.”
Ooni Ogunwusi also called for stronger cooperation between the state government and the traditional institution, stressing that traditional rulers have important roles to play in maintaining peace, mobilising communities and promoting grassroots development.
He assured Governor Adeleke of the continued support of the traditional institution for programmes aimed at promoting peace, cultural preservation, youth development, tourism and economic growth.
The monarch further commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, election officials, observers, the media and other stakeholders for their contributions to the electoral process.
He urged the governor to see his re-election as a call to greater service and make his second term a period of building a lasting legacy for the people of Osun State.
The Ooni prayed for wisdom, strength and divine guidance for Governor Adeleke as he continues his administration.
“May this renewed mandate bring greater peace, prosperity and development to Osun State. May your second term unite the people, strengthen our institutions and open new opportunities for our youths and communities.
“Once again, I congratulate His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke. The election is behind us; the future of Osun is before us. Let us all unite and build it together,” Ooni Ogunwusi stated.
