Osun Poll: Ooni Backs Peace, Praises Ododo and Okpebholo

By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh Ile- Ife Osun State

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has praised the Governors of Kogi and Edo States, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and Senator Monday Okpebholo, for their people-centred leadership, humility and simplicity, describing the qualities as hallmarks of effective public service.

The monarch made the remarks on Thursday while receiving the two governors on a courtesy visit to his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State. He said both governors have continued to make meaningful impacts in their states because they remain humble, accessible and closely connected to the people. He urged leaders across Nigeria to embrace selfless service, noting that leadership achieves greater success when driven by compassion, simplicity and commitment to the welfare of the people.
As Osun State prepares for the August 15, 2026 governorship election, the Ooni appealed to political leaders, candidates and supporters to prioritise peace and stability above partisan interests. He stressed that the peace of the state is more important than political ambition and called on all stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election.
The traditional ruler also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s economic reforms, describing the unification of the foreign exchange market, removal of fuel subsidy, improved foreign reserves and increased crude oil production as significant steps toward repositioning Nigeria’s economy. He added that the President’s focus on grassroots economic development would further benefit Nigerians and also praised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the two governors, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo said they visited the palace to pay homage to the Ooni and commiserate with him over the death of his elder brother. He explained that they were also in Osun State to engage non-indigenes and mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the forthcoming governorship election. According to him, the APC remains committed to people-oriented governance and sustainable development, while expressing confidence that the people of Osun would also benefit from the progressive policies of President Tinubu’s administration. The visit was attended by prominent APC leaders and senior government officials from Kogi and Edo States.