Ooni of Ife Commends Ododo and Okpebholo »

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has commended the Governors of Kogi and Edo states, Ahmed Usman Ododo and Monday Okpebholo, for what he described as their people-centred leadership, while urging political leaders and supporters to ensure a peaceful governorship election in Osun State on August 15.

The monarch made the remarks on Thursday at his palace in Ile-Ife while receiving the two governors during a courtesy visit.

According to the Ooni, the governors have continued to make positive impacts in their respective states because they have remained humble, accessible and closely connected to the people they serve.

He urged public office holders across the country to embrace humility and service, saying leadership is most effective when it is driven by compassion, simplicity and commitment to the welfare of citizens.

The traditional ruler also appealed to political stakeholders in Osun State to place the peace and stability of the state above partisan interests before, during and after the forthcoming governorship election.

“The peace of Osun State is far more important than any political ambition,” the Ooni said, urging all parties and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.

The monarch also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s economic reforms, describing the unification of the foreign exchange market, removal of fuel subsidy, improved foreign reserves and increased crude oil production as significant measures aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy.

“No President has impacted Nigeria’s macro-economy like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The unification of the foreign exchange market, removal of fuel subsidy, improved foreign reserves and increased crude oil production are game changers,” he said.

The Ooni added that he believed the administration was also focusing on policies that would improve the welfare of Nigerians at the grassroots. He also commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her programmes under the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Speaking on behalf of the two governors, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo said the visit was to pay homage to the Ooni and to commiserate with him over the death of his elder brother.

Ododo said they were also in Osun State to meet with non-indigenes and mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate ahead of the August 15 election.

He maintained that the APC remained committed to people-oriented governance and sustainable development across the country.

“Mr. President has done well for this country. From the economy to infrastructure and social welfare, he has transformed the fortunes of our nation. We can see the positive impact of his leadership in Kogi and Edo States, and we want the people of Osun State to also benefit from these progressive development strides,” Ododo said.

The visit was attended by senior government officials from Kogi and Edo states, alongside prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress who accompanied the governors to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.