No Second Term Endorsement For Adeleke In Ifeland – Ife Rep, Ajilesoro

The lawmaker representing Ife Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Taofeeq Ajilesoro, has debunked claims that traditional chiefs from Ile-Ife have endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term ahead of the August 8, 2026 gubernatorial election in Osun State.

Ajilesoro’s statement comes in response to an earlier announcement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, who claimed that all 16 palace chiefs of the Ooni of Ife had thrown their weight behind Adeleke during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Osogbo. Rasheed stated that the chiefs, led by the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, commended Adeleke for his “people-centred leadership” and “visible achievements” over the past three years. According to Rasheed, the Obalufe declared that the people of Ile-Ife were “proud of the governor’s accomplishments” and had “collectively resolved to throw their full weight behind him by endorsing him for a second term.”

However, speaking in a video recorded at the Obalufe’s palace and obtained by local media, Ajilesoro insisted that no such endorsement took place. He clarified that the chiefs’ visit was merely a courtesy call to greet the governor and not an occasion for political backing. Ajilesoro, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasized that the people of the ancient town would instead support the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO.

“Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji is our candidate in the All Progressives Congress, and we will bring him to you,” Ajilesoro said in the video. “I know the Ile-Ife chiefs only went to greet Governor Ademola Adeleke. Our fathers will support whoever we are supporting, and we also promise to work for him and ensure that the votes from Ife favour us.”

In response, the Obalufe affirmed his alignment with the local leaders, stating, “Our sons are back, and we are going to support whoever they support.” This development highlights growing political tensions in Osun State as the 2026 election approaches, with Oyebamiji, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), positioning himself as a strong challenger to Adeleke. Oyebamiji has vowed to defeat the incumbent in a “landslide,” dismissing propaganda from the current administration and promising a “people-centred progressive government.”

Adeleke, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party amid internal disputes, has expressed confidence in his re-election bid, predicting victory in over 28 of the state’s 30 local governments. He has reaffirmed his commitment to “continuity of good governance,” stating, “I will beat Oyebamiji by the might of God and people.”

Despite the setback in Ifeland, Adeleke’s campaign has garnered significant support from various quarters. Recently, associations of artisans, market women, and traders endorsed him, praising his administration’s focus on grassroots development and urging the Federal Government to release withheld local government funds. The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) also backed him for a second term, alongside butchers and other groups commending his governance. Earlier endorsements include those from the Olubadan designate, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, and Fuji music icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate). In April 2025, the PDP in Osun West Senatorial District similarly threw its weight behind Adeleke.

Political analysts suggest that the Ife controversy could signal fractures within traditional institutions, but Adeleke’s broad-based endorsements may bolster his position in the upcoming polls. As campaigns intensify, both candidates are ramping up efforts to woo voters in key constituencies like Ife, a historically influential area in Osun politics.