Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has visited the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, receiving royal prayers and blessings just days before the state's governorship election. The governor, who is seeking a second term under the Accord Party, shared details of the visit on his official X account @AAdeleke_01 on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Governor Describes Moment as Profound Spiritual Connection
In his post, Adeleke expressed humility over the Ooni's heartfelt prayer during the visitation. “I am humbled by Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, heartfelt prayer during our visitation to the palace yesterday. It was a moment of profound spiritual connection and renewed strength,” he wrote.
The governor added that the Ooni's prayers touched him personally, and he expressed gratitude for what he described as fatherly support. “His prayers touched my heart deeply. I am grateful for the fatherly blessings and goodwill. May Almighty God continue to preserve Kabiyesi and bless his reign,” Adeleke said.
Supporters Rally Behind Adeleke After Royal Endorsement
The visit has drawn reactions from supporters and concerned residents. @Peejosh001 praised the significance of the royal endorsement, writing: “We are proud that our working Governor enjoys the royal blessings and support of His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, the highest ranking monarch in Nigeria. With the throne and the people behind him, progress and success are certain. God bless our Governor. Our father.”
@isolatrg expressed enthusiasm for the governor's return despite personal difficulties on the campaign trail: “The love for Gov. Ademola Adeleke is real! Osun people love you, sir. One good term deserves another. Even though I was attacked by an APC political thug, we will come out massively this weekend. The people of Ile-Ife and Osun want you back for a second term. Imole Leekan Si!”
Electoral Concerns Raised by Followers
One follower, @barristers001, used the occasion to raise an electoral concern directly with the governor: “Make Osun government share the party agents' AI glasses to monitor their vote, cause this APC people are looking for all means to rig the Election, cause they know within themselves that they can't win, please our Governor, look into this, there's still time to do dat.”
Governor Adeleke was elected in 2022, defeating the incumbent candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in an election that was initially contested in court before his victory was upheld.
Opposition Unity and Pre-Election Tensions
Recall that Dele Momodu, a member of the ADC, publicly urged all opposition parties in Osun State to unite behind Governor Adeleke. Momodu said backing Adeleke is the only sensible strategy to prevent the APC from securing an easy path to victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election. The media mogul praised Adeleke as the best-performing governor in Nigeria, citing infrastructure, health, education, and women's empowerment.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Minister Gboyega Oyetola addressed APC stakeholders in Osun State on Saturday, warning that the governorship seat would be reclaimed. Oyetola dismissed Adeleke's endorsement of President Tinubu as insufficient to save his hold on the state. The election has been marked by mutual allegations of intimidation and violence between the two major camps.
