Ooni of Ife palace chiefs commend Adeleke’s developmental strides, endorse second term

Sixteen palace chiefs of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, have commended Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, for what they described as remarkable developmental strides recorded under his administration.

The chiefs paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Osogbo, where they expressed satisfaction with the level of infrastructure development and government presence in Ile-Ife.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said the chiefs declared that Ile-Ife has never had it so good in terms of visible development.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Adediwura Idowu, praised Governor Adeleke for his people-centred leadership and achievements across the state. He said the people of Ile-Ife were proud of the governor’s performance over the last three years and had resolved to support him by endorsing his second-term bid.

According to the Obalufe, the level of development already recorded is a clear indication that the governor would deliver even more if given another term in office.

The palace chiefs also expressed appreciation to Governor Adeleke for maintaining a cordial and respectful relationship with the Ooni of Ife, whom they described as the father of the Yoruba race. They noted that the relationship has strengthened unity, peace and mutual respect within Osun State and across Yorubaland.

Also speaking, Baba Lowa Adimula highlighted the massive road construction and other infrastructural projects ongoing across Ile-Ife, describing Governor Adeleke as a true son of the Source whose commitment to the ancient city is evident in the scope and quality of projects being executed.

He urged the governor to fast-track the ongoing bridge project – the first of its kind in Ile-Ife – and ensure that the road is properly tarred and dualised up to the Ooni’s Palace at Enuwa to ease traffic flow and boost economic activities.

The palace chiefs also used the opportunity to express concern over the continued withholding of local government funds by the Federal Government, a situation they said has prevented traditional rulers and other local government beneficiaries from receiving their entitlements for the past 11 months. They called for an urgent resolution of the issue in the interest of grassroots governance and welfare.

The delegation concluded by offering prayers for the governor’s continued success and reaffirming the unwavering support of the people of Ile-Ife for his administration.