According to the popular Yoruba belief, kings are representatives of God on earth, they are also believed to be the voice of the people because most kings are widely accepted by his people.
Political governance has now made it mandatory for its actors to be in alliance with traditional rulers, perhaps because if the king of a town rejects a politician, the people of his town may also reject the individual in the end.
The rain is gathering again in Osun for the people of the state to either return the incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola or vote in another man to lead the affairs of the state for another four years.
The case of Osun is peculiar or so it is, the race to the number one seat is of great peculiarity because of the tussle that a faction within the Osun APC, called The Osun Progressives (TOP), loyal to former Governor Rauf Aregbesola is ready to pull in the contest.
Lately it has been discovered that the faction are behind the former secretary of the state government, Alh. Moshood Adeoti who contested in 2018 on the platform of Action Democratic party (ADP) and finally returned to the APC after losing the election.
Not to lose my track on the main line of discussion, in this dispensation, Kings are indirectly involved in politics because the accent they give can help observers to assume the direction of coming election.
The question you may want to ask what was Oyetola able to do for the traditional rulers in Osun in the space of three years that has erased their eight years journey with Aregbesola. Don’t go too far, the answers are in the statement gathered from the kings round the state.
Oduduwa Kingdom is solidly behind you- Ooni tells Oyetola
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi while speaking in his palace, on Wednesday 26th January, 2022 applauded Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for walking his talk and for his faithfulness to his electoral promises.
Oba Ogunwusi, who was represented by Obalufe of Ile-Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, said the Oduduwa kingdom was solidly behind the Governor.
He appreciated the good works the Governor has been doing to transform the State since assumption of office, just as he expressed confidence that the people of the State would reciprocate his gesture by returning him for a second term.
The foremost traditional ruler who appealed to the Governor not to be deterred or distracted, called on him to continue his good works.
He identified some intra-city roads that needed urgent intervention, saying fixing those roads would help to complement the ongoing and already- completed infrastructure in the ancient town.
Modakeke town would stop at nothing to re-elect you – Ogunsua tells Oyetola
The Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Moses Oladejo Oyediran, assured Governor of maximum support and cooperation, saying the entire Modakeke town would stop at nothing to re-elect him.
The monarch who showered royal blessings on the Governor and his entourage said his subjects are pleased with him and are committed to progressive cause because of his prompt and timely socioeconomic interventions aimed at changing the face of the town.
Corroborating the monarch, the President, Modakeke Progressive Union, Julius Odegbemi, said the Union would do everything possible to support the Governor before, during and after the election.
“We want to assure you that we are for you and having said that, it has become our resolution. We want to appreciate your Government for all you have been doing to uplift the socioeconomic and infrastructural status of our town. You have indeed shown your keen interest not only in our town but in our sons and daughters as manifested in the key positions they occupy.
“We commend you for reconstructing Famia road. The gesture has helped to impact greatly the lives of our people as it has contributed significantly to their socioeconomic welfare and well-being. We want more infrastructural developments in Modakeke. As you can see, most of our roads are bad, we want your support to fix them”, he added.
Iwo people won’t betray you – Oluwo tells Oyetola
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has charged the people of the town to vote for incumbent Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Oluwo, who advised his subjects not to waste their resources and energy working against the re-election bid of the governor, said only those who are not interested in the growth and development of the town in particular and Osun State in general would want to run against Oyetola.
The Royal Father said by the special Grace of God and support of the people of Osun, Oyetola will be re-elected to consolidate on the achievements he has so far recorded.
The traditional ruler spoke in his palace, on Monday, February 7, 2022 when Oyetola and his team visited his palace in continuation of their strategic engagement tour.
Addressing Oyetola, Oluwo said: “We (the Iwo Community) want to use this forthcoming Osun Governorship Election to pray to God. My father prayed by supporting the former Oluwo, Oba Tadese, and it worked for my emergence.
“Any Iwo Indigene that wants his or her prayer to be answered should stay where good fortunes are. Anyone who does not want prosperity can go otherwise by not joining the prayer.
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“I have not seen a governor that prioritises the welfare of the traditional monarchs and that of the civil servants like Governor Oyetola.
“Oyetola has done well; we are seeing good roads. The civil servants that were begging around before have stopped because the era of half Salary is long gone. He is paying full salary; civil servants are very important. I am not slandering anybody. Let us follow the one who knows the way. I want to commend the former deputy governor, Otunba Titilaoye, for staying with the truth.
“Iwo community cannot betray Governor Oyetola. I assure you that you will win your second term bid; you will come back as Governor-elect of this state by God’s grace. Anybody who comes against you shall be put to shame.”
He pleaded with the Governor to help the community with some bad portions of township roads, just as he commended him for the ones being done.
Don’t be distracted by political tradusers, you have been chosen by God – Alademure of Ibokun
The Alademure of Ibokun, Oba Festus Kayode Awogboro, has encouraged Governor Adegboyega Oyetola not to allow anything to distract him from the good works his Administration has been doing since inception.
Oba Awogboro also urged the Governor not to allow political tradusers and power-hungry individuals to deter him from his avowed commitment to taking the State to the promised land, saying he has been chosen by God.
Speaking on behalf of all traditional rulers in Obokun local government who were also present, Oba Awogboro, described Governor Oyetola as a seasoned administrator and financial guru. He said the Governor remains the best to lead the state at the moment in view of the socio-economic, political and security challenges confronting the nation in which the State is not an exception.
He said: “You were here in 2018 to seek for our support and we thank God that you didn’t disappoint us. You have matched up with our expectations in all ramifications. We thank you for all you have done to keep the State safe and to ensure smooth sailing of the ship of the State.
“We are not ingrates, we are grateful to you. We thank you for all you are doing, particularly your keen interest and passion about our welfare and well-being. Indeed, your Adminstration is taking good care of us.
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“We thank you for appointing good people for us. They have provided good representatation and quality leadership. In fact, they are very responsible. Your modest achievements are there to speak for you.
“We have seen Omoluabi in you and your team, and this is a pointer to the fact that you have wisdom to govern and rule us. Don’t allow intimidation to deter you. Nobody can serve as an obstacle in your way. God has made it possible for you. By the grace of God, the coast is clear and you will be re-elected.”
We will not disappoint you – Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa tells Oyetola
Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, Oba Moses Oluwafemi Agunsoye, appreciated the Governor for his prompt response to issues, particularly things that concern the people of his domain.
He said this while receiving the Governor in his palace.
Oba Agunsoye, who spoke on behalf of all traditional rulers in Oriade local government, disclosed that the traditional rulers in the Local Government were solidly behind the Governor. He said, “We will not disappoint you because you didn’t disappoint us.
“You have done well. You are a listening Governor. There has been a remarkable improvement in all sectors of the economy, particularly in the area of security in our domains.
“We thank you for giving us purposeful leadership. We are proud of you and we will continue to support you. You are governing Osun as expected and we pray God to continue to grant you all your heart desires”, he added.
Conclusion
You have seen comments like this from foremost traditional rulers across the state. You would ask and keep asking, if these traditional rulers are aligned with Gboyega Oyetola, who can stand against him?
There are two things constant in what all the Monarchs said, one is the fact that Oyetola has fulfilled campaign promises, the other is the people are with you.
It should also be noted that the 2018 candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Senator Ademola Adeleke has embarked on tour to local government areas, but he gathered neither masses support nor traditional rulers’ endorsement. This means only one thing – Oyetola is the man for all at all times.
In Osun, I hope and pray that the will of the people be done.
Soliu Jagunmolu writes from Osun State.
