2026: Traditional Rulers Hail Salaam’s Credibility, Clear Vision To Transform Osun
Traditional rulers in Odo-Otin and Ifelodun Local Government Areas have hailed the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Dr. Najeem Salaam, for his clear vision to transform the state.
The traditional rulers who expressed confidence in Salaam’s capacity to lead the state gave the commendations during the continuation of his consultation and campaign tour to the areas on Tuesday, ahead of the August 15, 2026 election.
Among the monarchs who hosted the ADC candidate in Odo-Otin Local Government were the Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Samuel Oyebode Oluronke II; the Oloyan of Oyan, Oba Ibrahim Adekeye; the Olore of Olore, Oba Kareem Oyewole Salahudeen; the Alagbeye of Agbeye, Oba Mushood Olawale Olalere; the Alatise of Atisa, Oba Isaac Oyewale; the Apete of Opete, Oba Samuel Oyedele Akanni; and the Asaba of Asaba, Oba Ezekiel Oyewusi.
Addressing the royal fathers and residents, Salaam described his manifesto as a practical blueprint for governance and a social contract with the people of Osun.
He urged the electorate to hold him accountable for every promise contained in the document if elected governor, stressing that leadership must be anchored on responsibility, transparency, and service.
He noted that a major pillar of the ADC agenda is the integration of traditional institutions into the state’s security architecture, acknowledging the strategic role monarchs play in safeguarding lives and property within their communities.
He pledged to strengthen security institutions and foster closer collaboration between the government and traditional rulers.
The ADC standard-bearer also promised to revive the educational legacies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige through the provision of free and qualitative education, the restoration of school feeding programmes, and youth employment initiatives within the first 100 days of his administration.
He further assured the people of improved healthcare delivery, stable electricity supply, and the provision of ambulances in all local government areas.
Speaking on economic development, Salaam said his administration would aggressively attract local and foreign investments, expand agricultural production, and place farmers at the centre of the state’s economic agenda.
According to him, agriculture, industrial growth, and reliable power supply will serve as the foundation for sustainable prosperity across Osun State.
He also lamented the neglect of critical public infrastructure, including local government courts and essential public facilities, assuring residents that his administration would address these challenges through strategic investments, prudent management of resources, and people-oriented governance.
The campaign train also proceeded to Iba in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where Salaam paid a courtesy visit to the Eburu of Iba, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Adekunle Adeogun-Okunoye, Oyedeji II.
Speaking at the monarch’s palace, Salaam reiterated his commitment to strengthening security across the state through the active involvement of traditional rulers in his administration’s security architecture.
He emphasised that monarchs, as custodians of their communities, would play strategic roles in intelligence gathering, conflict prevention, and community policing.
The ADC candidate also identified agriculture as a major pillar of his economic agenda, pledging to empower farmers through improved access to modern farming inputs, rural infrastructure, and other essential amenities. According to him, his administration would position agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and revenue generation for the state.
In her remarks, the ADC deputy governorship candidate, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Agiri, called on women across the state to actively participate in the electoral process and support the party’s vision for a more prosperous Osun.
She emphasised that the future and welfare of their children depend on the quality of leadership entrusted with governance.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Olokuku of Okuku and the Eburu of Iba commended the developmental strides and enduring legacy of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, expressing confidence in Salaam’s capacity to build on those achievements.
The monarchs described Salaam as a leader whose promises are backed by commitment, credibility, and a clear roadmap for development, noting that his manifesto reflects a deep understanding of the challenges confronting Osun State and practical solutions to address them.
The Eburu of Iba particularly commended Salaam for offering himself for service at what he described as a critical period in the history of Osun State.
The monarch praised his courage, vision, and commitment to the development of the state, while urging the electorate to carefully assess the character, track records, competence, and programmes of all three governorship candidates before making their choice at the polls.
“We have listened carefully to his plans and vision. He has demonstrated capacity, experience, and a genuine commitment to the progress of Osun State. His manifesto offers a clear direction for development, and the people should carefully evaluate the programmes of all candidates before making their choice at the polls,” the monarchs stated.
