The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has called on political leaders, party supporters and residents of Osun State to embrace peace and unity as campaigns intensify ahead of the state’s governorship election.
The Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) made the call on Tuesday when the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Najeem Salaam, and other leaders of the party paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni’s Palace before commencing their mega campaign rally in Ile-Ife.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare.
The ADC delegation, led by Aregbesola and Salaam, was received at the palace before proceeding to Enuwa, Ile-Ife, where the campaign officially commenced.
Representing the Ooni, the Lowa Adimula of Ifeland, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, reaffirmed the Ooni’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, irrespective of political affiliations, while describing Ile-Ife as the spiritual and historical cradle of the Yoruba race.
Lowa stressed the need for successive governments and political leaders to accord Ile-Ife the level of attention and development befitting its historical significance.
“Ile-Ife remains the source and ancestral home of the Yoruba people. Politics in modern Nigeria has a rich history that also has strong roots in Ile-Ife. The late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi served as Governor of the old Western Region, and his remarkable contributions were felt not only in Ile-Ife but throughout Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
He said, “Since he left office, Ile-Ife has not experienced the level of development that befits its status as the cradle of the Yoruba race. The Hausa people regard Sokoto as their source, and today Sokoto continues to enjoy significant development. The Igbo people hold Enugu in high esteem as one of their historic centres, and its growth is evident. We, as Yoruba, who acknowledge Ile-Ife as our source, must collectively ensure that this ancient city receives the attention and development it deserves.”
He further appealed to politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electioneering period.
“We appeal to all political parties, candidates and supporters to shun violence, avoid bloodshed and remain patient. Elections should not divide our people or cost anyone his or her life. Let the campaigns be peaceful, while the electorate freely exercise their democratic rights.”
The Ooni, through the Lowa Adimula, thereafter offered royal prayers and blessings for the ADC governorship candidate, Alhaji Najeem Salaam, as well as for peaceful and credible elections across Osun State.
Earlier, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, explained that the party deliberately chose Ile-Ife as the starting point of its governorship campaign in recognition of the city’s cultural and historical importance to the Yoruba race.
“Ile-Ife remains our source. It has been about eight years since we last came here for this purpose. We came with the candidate of our former political party, and although the people of Ife stood solidly with us, God did not permit that opportunity to be fully utilised.
“Our tradition has always been to begin our political campaigns in Ile-Ife because we believe this is our source. Since 2004, we have consistently visited the palace to seek royal blessings before embarking on major political activities, and we are here today to continue that tradition.”
Among dignitaries present at the palace were the Osun ADC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Mrs. Temitope Yemisi Agiri; Osun ADC Chairman, Alhaji Azeez Issa Adesiji; Osun East Senatorial Candidate, Babatunde Olaniyi Loye; Osun Central Senatorial Candidate, Senator Adelere Oriolowo; alongside other party leaders, traditional chiefs and supporters.
