Ooni Hosts Osun APC Governorship Candidate, Offers Ancestral Blessings

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 hosted the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, at the revered Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.

In a statement on Monday evening by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare said Oyebamiji was accompanied on the courtesy visit by his running mate, Kayode Adereti, the Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, alongside other party leaders, loyalists, and supporters.

The delegation was warmly received by the Ooni who is also the permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, as well as other dignitaries.

Speaking during the visit, Oyebamiji lauded the Ooni for his unwavering commitment to the promotion of Yoruba unity and cultural heritage.

He revealed that his visit to the palace was in line with the counsel of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who encouraged him to seek royal blessings before commencing his governorship campaign.

According to Oyebamiji, President Tinubu referenced the historical significance of Ile-Ife as the cradle of Yoruba civilization, noting that past leaders, including the late sage Obafemi Awolowo, received ancestral blessings from the source, which contributed to their remarkable successes.

“I told Mr. President that I would be coming to your palace to seek your blessings before flagging off our campaign. He urged me to do so, emphasizing the importance of the blessings from this ancient throne,” Oyebamiji stated.

The APC candidate assured the Ooni and the people of Ile-Ife of his commitment to good governance, pledging not to betray the trust of the people of Osun State if elected.

“We are here for your royal blessings. Before we begin our campaign, we have come to seek your support and prayers. Ile-Ife is the source of our tradition, and its support is very vital. I assure you that I will support and prioritize the development of Ife and Osun State at large,” he added.

In his response, the Ooni commended Oyebamiji for his humility, discipline, and respect for traditional institutions, describing such virtues as essential qualities of a true leader.

The Ooni Ogunwusi emphasized the need for unity among political stakeholders, noting that leadership is a call to service and sacrifice.

The Ooni further lauded President Tinubu for his leadership strides, urging Nigerians to continue to pray for the success and longevity of his administration. He reiterated the neutrality of the traditional institution in partisan politics while stressing the importance of peace and unity across party lines.

“An Oba is not a politician, but we belong to everyone. We must embrace unity and avoid division. To those who may feel aggrieved within your ranks, I urge reconciliation. After receiving blessings, it is important to justify them with good deeds,” he advised.

The royal father thereafter offered special ancestral prayers and blessings for Oyebamiji, seeking divine guidance, wisdom, and success for him as he prepares for the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.