Owa Obokun Appeals for Peace, Seeks Forgiveness Over Fadahunsi Controversy, Urges Ijesa to Accept Election Results and Look Beyond 2026

The Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has appealed to all sons, daughters and residents of Ijesaland to remain calm and embrace peace following reports of unrest after the conclusion of the Osun State governorship election.

In a statement issued by the Palace and signed by the Chief of Staff to the Owa, Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, the monarch stressed that the Palace remains politically neutral and serves as a protective umbrella for all Ijesa people, regardless of their political affiliations.

The Owa urged citizens to accept the outcome of the election in good faith, describing the result as the will of Almighty God for the present season.

His Imperial Majesty also appealed to those who emerged victorious to demonstrate humility, while urging those who lost to show true sportsmanship.

The monarch reminded the people that political differences should not destroy the bonds that unite Ijesaland.

“We are first and foremost, Ijesa people, bound by blood and shared destiny before we are members of any political party,” the statement said.

The Palace further appealed to aggrieved individuals and jubilant groups to sheath their swords, stop all forms of hostility and allow relevant security agencies to handle any complaints or disputes through lawful means.

Palace Appeals for Forgiveness Over Fadahunsi Controversy

The Owa also addressed the controversy surrounding statements attributed to Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi during the tense period leading to the election.

According to the Palace, the statements were made during an intense and highly charged political period and should not be allowed to overshadow the Senator’s long years of service and contributions to Ijesaland.

The Palace particularly highlighted Senator Fadahunsi’s involvement in the proposed Obokun University, describing the project as a major legacy initiative capable of contributing significantly to the intellectual development of Ijesaland.

The monarch therefore appealed to the people to embrace forgiveness and look beyond the political disagreements of the election season.

“True royalty and greatness lie in forgiveness,” the Palace stated, urging all sides to allow peace to reign across Ijesaland.

Palace Looks Beyond 2026 Governorship Election

Looking ahead, the Owa called on the people of Ijesaland to focus on the future and the broader political responsibilities awaiting the country.

The statement referenced the forthcoming presidential election and noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been adopted as the preferred candidate by both major political parties in Ijesaland.

According to the Palace, the development could serve as a symbol of unity that transcends local partisan differences.

The Owa therefore urged all Ijesa people to put the tensions of the governorship election behind them and work together for the peace, unity and progress of Ijesaland.