Governor rallies Ijesa voters ahead of the August 15 governorship election, promising security and continued development
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on Friday, August 7, 2026, urged voters across the state to turn out for the August 15 governorship election and defend their ballots, saying no force should prevent residents from exercising their constitutional rights.
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Adeleke made the appeal during separate visits to the palaces of the Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesha, Oba Adeleke Oke, and the Elegboro of Ijebu-Ijesa, as he intensified his campaign for a second term in office.
The governor was accompanied by senior members of the Imole Campaign Council and his cousin, Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as the campaign team sought support from traditional institutions and residents in the Ijesa axis.
Addressing supporters, Adeleke said participation in the election was an important part of protecting democracy and urged voters not to be intimidated by the political atmosphere surrounding the poll.
He echoed an earlier call by Davido for residents to vote and protect their ballots, insisting that the people of Osun had an inalienable right to participate in a free and fair election.
“No force can deny Osun voters their democratic rights,” Adeleke said.
The governor maintained that residents were prepared to exercise and protect those rights when they go to the polls on August 15.
At the palace of the Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesha, Oba Adeleke Oke, the monarch praised the governor’s performance during his first term and expressed support for his re-election bid.
Oba Oke also hosted a victory prayer session at the palace, where interfaith prayers were held for the success of Adeleke and his political team.
“You will win the second term and you will deliver even more than you have done in your first term,” the monarch said.
“My people are eager to continue to be part of a good turn of events in the state.”
The endorsement provided a notable traditional dimension to Adeleke’s campaign as he continued his tour of communities ahead of the election.
At campaign rallies in Ipetu-Ijesha and Ijebu-Jesa, the governor presented his re-election bid as a vote for continuity, urging residents to mobilise family members and friends ahead of polling day.
“Your security is assured. Your safety is guaranteed. Mobilise your relatives and friends. Vote for good governance and more dividends of democracy,” Adeleke told supporters.
“Ijesa people, Osun people cannot be scared. We are people of courage. Vote and defend your votes.”
The emphasis on voter participation comes as political parties intensify their final mobilisation efforts ahead of the August 15 election.
The contest has attracted significant attention because of the political importance of Osun and the competing campaigns seeking to convince voters that their candidates offer the best path for the state.
Adeleke’s campaign has centred heavily on continuity and his administration’s record, while opposition parties have sought to challenge the governor’s performance and persuade voters to consider an alternative.
The governor’s latest appeal also comes against a backdrop of heightened public attention to electoral security and the need for voters to participate without fear.
His message to supporters was therefore twofold: turn out to vote and remain vigilant about the integrity of the ballot.
For Adeleke, the final stretch of the campaign is increasingly about converting political support into actual turnout on election day.
With traditional backing, grassroots mobilisation and prominent support from Davido forming part of his campaign strategy, the governor is seeking to maintain momentum as Osun voters prepare to decide whether to give him another four years.
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The decisive moment will come on August 15, when voters across the state cast their ballots and the campaign rhetoric gives way to the judgement of the electorate.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
