The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has called on all political parties, candidates and supporters to keep next year's Osun governorship election peaceful and free from violence. He made the plea on Thursday when the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and members of the party's campaign council visited the Ooni's Palace in Ile-Ife.
Oba Ogunwusi, who also serves as Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), urged political stakeholders to run campaigns without disruption and place the state's stability above party loyalty. He cautioned politicians and their supporters against violence, intimidation and any moves that could threaten Osun's tradition of peaceful relations.
The monarch praised President Bola Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria's security architecture, particularly the recent rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to him, the successful operation showed the Federal Government's determination to fight insecurity across the country.
He told the APC that unity must remain their strength throughout the election campaign. "Unity remains the foundation for electoral success and sustainable development," he said, adding that he shared the same message with other parties contesting the election.
The Ooni urged all Nigerians eligible to vote to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation. He also called on stakeholders to embrace Yoruba values of Omoluabi, which emphasise integrity, discipline, tolerance, respect and peaceful behaviour.
He prayed for peaceful elections, wise leadership from political leaders, and continued peace and progress in Osun and Nigeria. Speaking for the APC campaign council, Director-General Oluwole Oke explained that the party chose Ile-Ife for its campaign launch because of the city's spiritual and historical importance.
"We recognise Ile-Ife as the source, which is why we have come to seek royal blessings," he said, adding that the party promised good governance to Osun residents.
Oyebamiji pledged that Ile-Ife would benefit significantly under his administration if voters elect him. He promised to fix major roads like the Enuwa–Fajuyi and Aderemi–Ondo Road corridors, repair run-down public primary schools and build a modern market.
The APC candidate also committed to strengthening security, improving primary healthcare, protecting workers' rights and boosting electricity supply. He said he would increase investment in farmers and agricultural value chains to support the farming sector.
He assured traditional rulers that he would consult them regularly if elected to office.
