Osun 2026: Timi of Ede urges residents to vote Adeleke, calls for free and fair election

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

The Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, has urged his subjects and residents of Osun State to vote massively for Governor Ademola Adeleke in the August 15 governorship election, while appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure a free and fair electoral process.

The traditional ruler made the call on Tuesday during the commissioning of the 9.3-kilometre dualised Akoda–Baptist High School–Oke Gada Road in Ede by Governor Adeleke.

Addressing residents, traditional leaders and dignitaries at the event, Oba Lawal urged voters to exercise their rights according to their conscience, expressing confidence that the Accord Party would emerge victorious in the election.

“We are using this opportunity to appeal to President Bola Tinubu not to rig the governorship election. He should leave us alone and allow each of us to vote where we so desire,” the monarch said.

The Timi also recounted an encounter with the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, at a social gathering in Offa, Kwara State, where he alleged that songs rendered by some supporters were offensive to the people of Ede.

Oba Lawal said he was displeased by the incident and subsequently prayed over the matter.

Reacting to claims that he deliberately avoided receiving APC leaders during a visit to Ede, the monarch dismissed the allegation, explaining that he was outside the town at the time.

He urged eligible voters in Ede and across Osun State to participate actively in the August 15 election, expressing optimism that the town would record a high turnout.

The monarch also reaffirmed his support for Adeleke’s re-election bid.

Speaking at the event, Governor Adeleke described the road project as another fulfilled promise of his administration aimed at improving transportation, boosting commercial activities and enhancing the quality of life of residents.

The governor said the road connects major residential areas, schools and markets while linking Ede with routes leading to Osogbo and Ibadan, making it a significant infrastructure project for the town.

According to him, the dualised road would reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, support business activities and strengthen security through the installation of solar-powered streetlights.

“This is a promise kept and governance that truly touches the lives of the people. With this dualised road, movement within Ede will be faster and safer, businesses will thrive, students and workers will get to their destinations more easily, while security will improve with adequate lighting,” Adeleke said.

He added that the project was part of his administration’s wider infrastructure renewal programme across Osun State, noting that similar projects were ongoing in Osogbo, Ila, Iwo, Ile-Ife and Ilesa.

Adeleke commended the state Ministry of Works and the contractor for delivering what he described as quality work that met approved standards, before formally opening the road for public use.

He also appreciated the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal Laminisa I, the traditional council and residents of the town for their support and patience during the construction period.

The commissioning ceremony later assumed a political dimension as Adeleke also appealed to President Tinubu to ensure that the forthcoming governorship election was conducted in a transparent and credible manner.

“I appeal to President Bola Tinubu not to rig the governorship election. Let the people freely vote for candidates of their choice. By the grace of God, the Accord Party will emerge victorious,” the governor said.

Adeleke dismissed opposition criticism of his administration as political propaganda, insisting that his support base remained strong in Ede and across Osun State.

He urged residents to come out in large numbers on election day, expressing confidence that Ede would give him overwhelming support during the poll.