The Fulani community in Osun State has thrown its weight behind Governor Ademola Adeleke’s bid for a second term, declaring its support for his re-election ahead of the August 15th,2026 governorship election.
The endorsement was made on Wednesday in Osogbo during a gathering of Fulani leaders and members from across the state, who said the governor’s inclusive governance style and developmental initiatives had positively impacted their communities.
Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of the Fulani Community in the South-West, Alhaji Saheed Alu Maiburiji, said the endorsement was approved by Fulani elders and leaders across Osun State.
“Imole is what brought us together. All Fulani people in Osun State have come out to support our governor for a second term, and by God’s grace, he will succeed,” he said.
Maiburiji disclosed that consultations were held among community leaders before the decision was reached, adding that the endorsement represented the collective position of Fulani residents across the state.
He further claimed that the Fulani population in Osun State stood at about 30,000 people.
“We are about thirty thousand in Osun State. People may doubt it, but I know what I am saying,” he said.
While declaring support for the governor’s re-election, Maiburiji appealed for greater inclusion of Fulani communities in government programmes and appointments.
He urged the government to invest more in educational infrastructure in underserved communities, stressing that education remained critical to improving the lives of Fulani children and promoting social development.
“We need primary schools, educational facilities and secondary schools. Education is the path that can bring many of our people out of poverty and improve their future,” he said.
The Fulani leader also appealed for representation in government, saying members of the community should be considered for appointments and other opportunities.
“When positions and appointments are being considered, please remember us. Give us an opportunity. If our governor includes us in government, we will continue to support him,” he added.
Also speaking, the Deputy Spokesperson to the Governor, Oladele Bamiji, described the gathering as a testament to the Adeleke administration’s commitment to inclusiveness and grassroots development.
“What we are witnessing today is another reflection of the inclusive governance that Osun State has experienced over the past four years under Governor Ademola Adeleke,” Bamiji said.
According to him, the Fulani community decided to publicly endorse the governor after benefiting from several government interventions, particularly projects implemented through the Ministry of Rural Development.
“They are here to appreciate the good works of Mr Governor, especially those that have directly impacted their lives. They have benefited from government programmes not just as Fulani people but as residents of Osun State,” he said.
Bamiji noted that the massive turnout of Fulani residents from different parts of the state demonstrated the governor’s growing popularity and acceptance among various ethnic and social groups.
“I know the culture of these people. They are not known for double standards. Once they make a decision, they stand by it. What we are seeing today is beyond my expectations and confirms the acceptability of the governor across the state,” he added.
Another Fulani leader , Alhaji Saheed Omokayode, popularly known as Igara Alhaji, used the occasion to reject the stereotype linking Fulani people to criminality and banditry.
He said the actions of a few individuals should not be used to judge an entire ethnic group, stressing that the Fulani community in Osun State had lived peacefully with their Yoruba hosts for decades.
“If you see a Fulani person committing a crime, that individual should be held responsible. It does not mean all Fulani people are criminals. We are not criminals. We are not bandits,” he said.
Omokayode expressed gratitude to the Yoruba people for their acceptance and support over the years, noting that many Fulani families had benefited from peaceful coexistence and opportunities provided by their host communities.
He also disclosed that he altered his travel plans from the United States to attend the endorsement programme, describing the event as a demonstration of solidarity with Governor Adeleke.
Responding, Governor Adeleke thanked the Fulani community for the endorsement and assured them that their requests had been noted.
“I really appreciate this endorsement. I accept it. What you have requested has been written down, and by God’s grace, it will be addressed after we are re-elected,” the governor said.
The event ended with prayers for the governor and renewed pledges of support from Fulani leaders and members across the state ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
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