…receives Ooni’s Blessing as APC Launches Governorship Campaign
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has formally flagged off his statewide campaign, unveiling an ambitious development agenda for Ile-Ife while securing the royal blessing of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The campaign was officially launched on Thursday, July 16, 2026, beginning with a courtesy visit to the Ooni’s Palace before a well-attended rally at Enuwa Square, Ile-Ife, where thousands of party faithful, supporters and political stakeholders gathered to signal the APC’s readiness for the governorship contest.
At the palace, the Ooni offered prayers for Oyebamiji and his running mate, Engr. Kayode Adereti, urging them to remain focused and united as they seek the mandate of the people. The monarch also applauded ongoing reconciliation efforts within the APC, describing party unity as essential for electoral success.
Oba Ogunwusi used the occasion to call on political parties and their supporters to conduct campaigns peacefully, stressing that Osun’s reputation for harmony and peaceful coexistence must not be sacrificed for political ambition.
“Elections are temporary, but our relationships and the peace of our state are permanent. Political actors must avoid violence and ensure that campaigns remain peaceful,” the revered monarch advised.
Responding, Oyebamiji expressed appreciation for the royal reception and assured the Ooni that his administration would give Ile-Ife the attention befitting its historical and cultural significance as the cradle of the Yoruba race.
The APC standard-bearer disclosed that his team had identified several critical infrastructure projects requiring immediate intervention. Among them are the Enuwa–Fajuyi Junction Road, Ilare–Sabo Road, and Aderemi Road linking Ondo Road, all of which he promised to rehabilitate if elected governor.
He also pledged to renovate public primary schools across the ancient city, establish a modern international market, improve healthcare facilities and invest in projects capable of stimulating commerce, tourism and economic activities.
Addressing supporters at the campaign rally, Oyebamiji expanded on his vision for Osun State, promising an administration anchored on fairness, inclusiveness and balanced development across all local government areas.
According to him, every part of the state will benefit from government projects regardless of political affiliation, as his administration would prioritise infrastructure renewal, quality education, accessible healthcare, youth empowerment, agriculture, security, workers’ welfare and economic growth.
He further assured civil servants that capacity building would receive renewed attention through regular training and retraining programmes both within and outside Nigeria to enhance productivity in the public service.
“Our government will be people-centred and transparent. Every community will have a sense of belonging, and every resident will have equal access to the dividends of democracy,” Oyebamiji said.
The rally attracted prominent APC leaders, party officials and supporters from across Osun State, who reaffirmed their commitment to delivering victory for the party in the August 15 governorship election.
Political observers described the campaign flag-off as a major milestone in the race, coming barely a month before voters head to the polls to elect a new governor.
With campaigns now fully underway, political activities are expected to intensify across Osun as political parties continue to market their candidates and programmes to the electorate.
The APC maintained that its campaign would focus on issue-based engagement, economic revitalisation, infrastructure development and good governance as it seeks to return to power in Osun State.
