The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election victory, describing the outcome as a reflection of divine will expressed through the ballot.
Speaking after the governor’s win, the traditional ruler said the result demonstrated growing youth participation in the state’s political process. He noted that young people played a significant role in mobilising voters and canvassing support for Adeleke’s return to office.
“When God speaks, I listen. When He instructs, I bow. When He commands, I submit,” Oba Akanbi said. “The re-election victory of the Executive Governor of Osun State, Asiwaju Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, reflects a divine will of Olodumare expressed by voters through the ballots.”
The monarch urged the governor to strengthen ties with the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He argued that closer cooperation would accelerate development across Osun’s towns and villages, not just the state capital.
“Align with the federal government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR so as not to be an isolated governor because Osun needs the federal government to bring more developments to cities, towns, and villages, not only the capital,” the Oluwo said. “I have strong hope that aligning with the federal government will accelerate and attract more dividends to Osun State and her people.”
Beyond intergovernmental relations, Oba Akanbi advised Adeleke to deepen engagement with grassroots communities beyond election cycles. He recommended the governor visit every local government area and organise periodic summits, which he referred to as “Apero,” to maintain direct contact with citizens.
The traditional ruler also called for magnanimity in victory, reminding the governor that he now represents all residents of Osun State regardless of political affiliation.
“You are the governor of all in the state. Olodumare will bless you with sound Health and divine wisdom to constructively manage the state,” he added.
The re-election positions Adeleke to continue policies implemented during his first term, with the Oluwo’s endorsement signalling traditional institution support for collaboration between state and federal authorities. Political observers note that such alignment could influence resource allocation and infrastructure projects in the South-West state.
