Osun 2026: Ooni’s queen offers royal blessings as wife of APC governorship candidate visits palace, seeks support for husband

The Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Saturday received the wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Dr. Sekinah Bola-Oyebamiji, who led a delegation of prominent women and party leaders on a courtesy visit to the ancient palace to seek royal blessings and the support of the people of Ile-Ife ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

A statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the delegation, which included top APC women leaders and political stakehlders from across the state, was received by Ooni’s Queen, Olori Ashley Ogunwusi.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sekinah Bola-Oyebamiji said the visit was to pay homage to the ancient Palace and seek the royal blessings of the Ooni as well as the support of the people of Ife for her husband,  Bola Oyebamiji, in the forthcoming governorship election.

She described the APC governorship candidate as a humble, compassionate, experienced and God-fearing leader with the vision and capacity to transform Osun State.

According to her, Oyebamiji is committed to delivering purposeful leadership and ensuring balanced development across the state, expressing confidence that Ile-Ife would witness greater infrastructural and socio-economic development under his administration if elected governor.

She appealed to the people of Ife to support her husband’s aspiration, assuring them that he would run an inclusive government that would prioritise the welfare of all citizens.

Also speaking, the Osun APC Women Leader, Alhaja Kudirat Fakokunde, described Oyebamiji as a God-fearing and people-centred leader who understands the needs of the people.

She said his administration would place premium attention on education, healthcare, women and youth empowerment, job creation and improved welfare for the people of Osun State.

The Director-General of the APC Campaign Council for Ife Constituency, Hon. Wale Ojo, appreciated the Palace for warmly receiving the delegation, noting that the visit reflected the party’s respect for the revered traditional institution.

He called on the people of Ile-Ife to rally behind the APC candidate, expressing confidence in Oyebamiji’s ability to provide quality leadership and accelerate the state’s development.

Responding on behalf of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Ashley Ogunwusi appreciated the delegation for visiting the palace and acknowledged their respect for the traditional institution.

She stated that the position she occupies requires her to embrace everyone irrespective of political affiliation, stressing that she remains a mother to all without discrimination.

Olori Ashley thereafter offered royal prayers and blessings for Dr. Sekinah Bola-Oyebamiji, her husband,  Bola Oyebamiji, members of the delegation and Osun State at large, praying for peace, wisdom, divine guidance and a successful democratic process ahead of the 2026 governorship election.