Osun 2026: Aregbesola leads ADC campaign in Ife
ADC Campaign Kicks Off in Ile-Ife Under Aregbesola’s Leadership
By Shina Abubakar
ILE-IFE, Nigeria — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) officially launched its governorship campaign on Tuesday, led by National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. The event took place at the Ooni’s Palace, where Aregbesola was greeted by a considerable crowd alongside the party’s governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, and other prominent members.
In his address to local officials, including the Lowa Adimula of Ifeland, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, Aregbesola emphasized the symbolic and historical significance of starting the campaign in Ile-Ife.
“Ile-Ife remains our source,” Aregbesola said. “It has been about eight years since we last came here for this purpose. Our tradition has always been to begin our political campaigns in Ile-Ife because we believe this is our source.”
Aregbesola noted that since 2004, the ADC has consistently sought royal blessings from the Ooni’s Palace before major political activities. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to this tradition.
Oba Adeyeye, speaking earlier, reiterated the Ooni’s dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence among political parties. He remarked on Ile-Ife as the historical cradle of the Yoruba race and underscored the necessity for political leaders to provide adequate attention and development to the area.
“Ile-Ife remains the source and ancestral home of the Yoruba people,” Adeyeye said. He pointed out that political histories are deeply rooted in the city, referencing the late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, who served as Governor of the old Western Region and made significant contributions to development in both Ile-Ife and beyond.
Adeyeye contrasted the current state of development in Ile-Ife with that of other cultural centers in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to ensure that the city receives attention commensurate with its historical importance.
