Ifelodun Imole Campaign Council Visits Akinrun-in-Council, Secures Royal Endorsement for Adeleke’s Re-election Bid
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Ifelodun Imole Campaign Council on Monday visited the Akinrun-in-Council at the Eesa Palace in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, to seek the support and blessings of the traditional institution for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Ifelodun Imole Campaign Council, Hon. Adeboye Samuel, said the visit was part of efforts to engage traditional stakeholders and rally support for the governor’s second-term ambition.
The meeting opened with a prayer led by Chief Oladimeji Sakariyau, the Baale Odofun of Ikirunland, before members of the campaign council were formally introduced.
Addressing the traditional council, Samuel said Governor Adeleke had consistently demonstrated his commitment to the development of Ikirun through appointments and projects executed by his administration.
According to him, “Governor Ademola Adeleke loves Ikirun, and we know you are with our Governor. You will never be disappointed. We urge you to canvass support for his re-election. Ikirun is for glory, not for war.”
He also argued that the immediate past administration did not record significant developmental projects in the town.
Also speaking, the member representing Ifelodun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Barr. Adeyemi Tajudeen Akinlolu, urged residents and community leaders to maintain peace before, during and after the election.
He said, “Ikirun is not for sale. We must know our boundaries. We charge you to ensure Ikirun delivers the highest votes for Governor Adeleke in Osun Central in the forthcoming election.”
Hon. Hassan Adegoke and Hon. Sarafadeen Abiodun Awotunde, in their separate remarks, appealed to members of the Akinrun-in-Council to support Governor Adeleke’s re-election, saying his administration had restored peace in the town and embarked on projects that had positively impacted the community.
Awotunde specifically cited the governor’s directive for the rehabilitation of the Akinrun Palace, describing it as a landmark intervention aimed at preserving the town’s cultural heritage.
Responding on behalf of the Akinrun-in-Council, the Eesa of Ikirunland, High Chief Lawal Abdulkareem Adetoyese, declared the council’s support for Governor Adeleke’s second-term bid.
He said, “We are going to prove our worth because you have challenged us. The game is over. Governor Ademola Adeleke will emerge for a second term. This is not a contest between APC and Accord. This is a contest between APC and Ikirun.”
The Oluawo of Ikirunland, Chief Rasaq Olagunju, also pledged the community’s support for the governor.
According to him, “Those who wish to destroy this town should return to their father’s land. We will support Adeleke till our last breath. Ambo will never come. Ikirun is not for sale.”
Also speaking, Prof. Fabiyi Y.L., the Baale Oke-Afo of Ikirunland, alongside other chiefs, pledged their support for Governor Adeleke’s re-election, describing the August 15 governorship poll as crucial to the continued peace and development of Ikirun.
The visit ended with special prayers for the success of the campaign council and for a peaceful, credible and successful governorship election in Osun State.