By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo
Prominent Islamic clerics under the aegis of the Ta’awun Islamic Foundation on Tuesday held a marathon Arafat Day prayer session for peace in Osun State and the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The clerics, alongside traditional rulers, described Adeleke’s re-election bid as a continuation of good governance in the state.
This was contained in a statement issued in Osogbo by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.
Speaking at the Eid prayer ground in Ede, the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, urged residents of the state to come out en masse to support the governor’s second-term ambition.
According to the monarch, Osun State has witnessed significant development under Adeleke’s administration, stressing the need for continuity beyond 2026.
“We seek and actively support the continuity of Imole from Ede to every part of Osun State till 2030,” the monarch said.
The prayer gathering, said to be the third organised under the current administration, attracted Islamic clerics from Osogbo, Ila, Iragbiji, Ilesa, Ede, Ikirun, Ile-Ife, Iwo and other towns across the state.
During the session, the clerics offered prayers for the success of the governor’s administration and his victory in the forthcoming election.
Founder of the Ta’awun Foundation, Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, commended Governor Adeleke for endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term despite what he described as “acts of victimisation” against Osun State.
Molaasan described the governor as a true Omoluabi and a worthy ambassador of the Yoruba race, noting that his endorsement of Tinubu reflected political maturity, patriotism and commitment to national unity.
“This is beyond politics. It is a demonstration of Yoruba values of honour, dignity and commitment to the greater good. Governor Adeleke has shown himself to be a leader who prioritises peace, unity and development above division,” he said.
The cleric also appealed to the Federal Government to release withheld local government allocations allegedly owed to Osun State to enable the government continue delivering democratic dividends to residents.
“Our prayers are for the continued success of Governor Adeleke’s administration and for peace, prosperity and divine guidance for Osun State and Nigeria,” he added.
Also addressing the gathering, the Timi of Ede declared that the people of the ancient town remained firmly behind Governor Adeleke, insisting that the administration had brought visible transformation to communities across the state.
He praised the governor’s performance in infrastructure development, workers’ welfare and inclusive leadership, while urging residents to support continuity in government.
“If they remove posters, they cannot remove what God has done. And what God has done is that Governor Adeleke will remain in office till 2030,” the monarch declared.