The leadership of the Imole Campaign Council, which is driving the re-election bid of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to seek royal blessings ahead of the official commencement of its campaign activities.
The delegation, led by former Peoples Democratic Party National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo, included top political figures such as Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Senator Lere Oyewumi, House of Representatives member Bamidele Salam, and the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi.
During the visit, the team reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a peaceful and violence-free campaign ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The Ooni of Ife urged politicians and their supporters to avoid violence, hate speech, and actions capable of destabilising peace in the state. He stressed that Osun State belongs to all its residents and should not be endangered by political rivalry, adding that leaders must ensure the election process remains peaceful and orderly.
He warned that the global community is watching developments in the state and called on all political actors to demonstrate maturity and respect for democratic values.
In his remarks, Prof. Oladipo assured the monarch that the campaign would be peaceful, stating that the Imole Campaign Council has no interest in violence and will promote issue-based engagement throughout the election period.
He added that elections should not be treated as a do-or-die affair, but rather as a democratic process where voters freely choose their leaders.
The campaign director general, Senator Lere Oyewumi, explained that the visit was necessary to seek traditional blessings before commencing full campaign activities, describing it as a cultural practice meant to ensure success and peace.
He also expressed confidence in the achievements of Governor Adeleke, particularly in infrastructure development such as roads and flyovers, which he said would form part of the campaign message.
The visit comes amid rising political tension in Osun State ahead of the poll, with concerns over possible violence linked to clashes involving supporters of political parties, including the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress.
