Owa Obokun Hails Adeleke’s Re-election, Describes Victory as ‘Divine Judgement’
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election as a “divine judgement” and a victory for God’s will over human scheming.
Oba Haastrup stated this on Saturday when Governor Adeleke visited his palace, where the monarch commended the governor for his commitment to governance, faith and service to the people of Osun State.
The monarch described Adeleke as “the David of our time” and said the outcome of the election had further strengthened his faith in God.
According to him, Adeleke’s habit of praising and worshipping God should not be ridiculed, but should instead be seen as an expression of gratitude for God’s blessings.
He urged highly placed Nigerians to embrace praise worship as a way of appreciating God for His wonders in their lives.
The monarch also warned those mocking the governor over his praise dancing, referring to the biblical account involving David and his wife.
“Those mocking the governor over his praise dancing should beware. What happened to the wife of David in the Bible demonstrated the depth of God’s love for those who praised Him,” he said.
Recalling the tense period before the election, when violence was reported in parts of his domain, Oba Haastrup said he was initially worried about the governor’s safety and health.
He referred to the biblical passage about those who trusted in chariots and horses and those who relied on the power of Almighty God, saying the election outcome had reinforced his belief in divine intervention.
“I must confess that the outcome of the election increases my faith in God. Governor Adeleke is an embodiment of faith, humility, thanksgiving and performance. For a governor to perform across all local governments within his first term shocked and surprised us all,” the monarch said.
Oba Haastrup thanked the people of Osun State for their support for Adeleke, saying their decision at the polls demonstrated their commitment to truth.
“Our governor has done well, especially to whoever is godly. I thank Osun people for their support for Mr. Governor. Osun people stood for truth. They refused to abandon a man who has diligently served them. Osun is now a model that the whole world is watching,” he said.
The monarch said he was at some point afraid that the political opposition against Adeleke had become excessive, expressing gratitude to God for protecting the governor.
“At one point, I was afraid that the war on the governor was too much. I was afraid for his health and safety. I praised God that He upholds and protects the governor. We are in continuous thanksgiving for the divine victory God granted Mr Governor,” he said.
He also commended the governor for establishing the N500 million fund for victims of election violence, as well as the Adeleke family’s decision to provide scholarships to children of those killed during the violence.
“The governor expanded his faith in God by setting up the N500 million compensation fund for victims of election violence. The Adeleke dynasty is also giving scholarships to children of those killed. The Adeleke family is a big blessing to Osun people,” he said.
Oba Haastrup further praised Adeleke for extending a hand of reconciliation to his political opponents after the election, describing the gesture as an indication of statesmanship.
“I must commend Mr Governor for being magnanimous in victory. Your reaching out to the opposition is a grace of statesmanship. Our task, as both Mr President and Mr Governor have said, is to heal the wounds and unite our people. We have a duty to join hands to embrace our man in Abuja,” the monarch said.
He urged the governor to remain committed to serving the people and to sustain the development of infrastructure across towns and villages in the state.
The Owa Obokun also expressed confidence that Adeleke would support President Bola Tinubu’s political ambitions, saying the President had recognised the governor’s political importance.
“Now that the governor has won his re-election, I know he will work hard for the re-election of Mr President. The President has also seen the political worthiness of Mr Governor. God that did this for our governor will give him good health and wisdom to govern well and perform wonders,” he said.
Responding, Governor Adeleke thanked traditional rulers across the state for their support during the election.
He acknowledged the pressure faced by some monarchs during the election period, commending those who remained firm in their support for truth and good governance.
Adeleke, who presented his Certificate of Return to the Owa Obokun, described the election as a “near war”, saying he relied on God throughout the difficult period.
The governor said his administration had commenced reconciliation efforts and reaffirmed his commitment to his earlier declaration that there would be “no winner, no vanquished” after the election.
He promised to continue working towards healing political wounds, promoting unity and ensuring that the people of Osun State move forward together.
