2026 guber: Ooni urges INEC to ensure credible election in Osun, as Amupitan monarch
By Ismail Azeez
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Osun State on August 15, 2026.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said made the appeal on Tuesday evening while receiving the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who led a delegation of the commission on a courtesy visit to seek the support and blessings of the traditional institution ahead of the off-cycle governorship election.
The INEC delegation was received by the Ooni alongside prominent monarchs from the Osun State Council of Obas, who gathered at the palace for the engagement.
The Ooni urged political stakeholders to embrace peace and allow the electorate to determine the state’s next governor through a free, fair and credible electoral process.
Addressing the INEC Chairman, the Ooni said the prevailing political atmosphere in the state had become increasingly worrisome, stressing that traditional rulers, as custodians of peace and unity, could not remain silent while tensions continued to escalate.
The Ooni said, “There is political tension in Osun State and, truth be told, the tension is becoming unbearable for us. As traditional rulers, we must remain above politics because Osun State is bigger than any politician. We occupy the thrones of our forefathers and our responsibility is to speak the truth at all times, irrespective of political affiliations.”
“Politics is about interests. Those who are opponents today may become allies tomorrow, but the people remain. We do not want political interests to divide our communities or threaten the peace of Osun State. Let the people come out freely to vote and decide who they want to govern them,” he stated.
“You are the umpire. Be very just, upright and transparent in the conduct of this election. We want the election to be free, fair and credible. You have the responsibility to douse the growing tension and inspire confidence among all political stakeholders.”
“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for empowering INEC to function independently and for providing the commission with the support needed to carry out its constitutional mandate. We believe the commission should justify that confidence by ensuring justice, fairness and credibility throughout the electoral process.”
“The traditional institution will continue to promote peace across Osun State. We will continue to encourage politicians to embrace peaceful campaigns because elections should never become a source of bloodshed, destruction or division,” he said.
Earlier, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, said the visit to the Ooni’s Palace was both a cultural obligation and an institutional engagement aimed at securing the support of the traditional institution for a peaceful governorship election.
Describing Ile-Ife as the ancestral home of the Yoruba race and the Ooni as the foremost custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, Amupitan said the commission recognised the influential role of traditional rulers in promoting peace and public confidence during elections.
“We have come to pay homage to Your Imperial Majesty and seek your royal blessings. Osun occupies a unique place in Nigeria because its people are politically conscious.”
This election is significant, not only for Osun State, but also as a major test ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.