By Gbenga Shaba
The Ataoja of Osogbo, His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Laroye II, has endorsed and declared open support for Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun as the state prepares for the 2026 gubernatorial election.
The 21st traditional and paramount ruler of the city of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, Oba Oyetunji, made this open declaration during a courtesy call at his palace in Osogbo, ahead of the ADC’s final constituency tour of Osun State.
Oba Oyetunji held no words back as he emotionally declared that wherever Aregbesola goes, he will follow and support him.
“Your coming to Osogbo today is symbolic because I have not heard that you adopted a new party until now that you visited. That you have come to openly declare being in a new party with all those that followed you means the whole of Osogbo will be behind you. No one will see me and not see Aregbe, and when you see Aregbe, you will surely see me.”
He added: “Aregbesola’s journey this time around is different. This is because he has come now to work assiduously for the betterment of the people of Osun.
“He is one man I respect a lot because when some naysayers were mounting pressure on him to dethrone me, he did not listen to them.
“We are not ingrates in Osogbo. Osogbo is always united when it comes to politics.
“I’m for Aregbesola. I will never leave him. Wherever he goes, we shall follow.”
Oba Oyetunji, who shared his thoughts in Yoruba language, asked the town’s chiefs and the Asiwaju of Osogbo land, Hon. Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe (Rtd), if he had echoed their minds, and they all responded in affirmation of their support.
