The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup has called for a perfect synergy and seamless collaboration between the Federal and State Governments as a catalyst for accelerated development, saying such cooperation is essential for delivering meaningful infrastructure and socio-economic progress.
The monarch made the remark on Wednesday when the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the August 15, 2026 election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), led party leaders and supporters on a courtesy visit to Owa’s palace to seek royal blessings for his governorship bid.
The visit formed part of Oyebamiji’s statewide consultations with traditional rulers and other stakeholders as campaigns intensify ahead of the poll.
Oba Haastrup described the people of Ijesaland as educated, development-driven and politically conscious, saying they enlightened enough and are capable of making informed electoral decisions.
The Owa urged Oyebamjii to remember Ijesaland in critical sectors as: potable water supply, better health care, infrastructure and industrialisation.
“Our people are educated and enlightened. They know where they are going and understand what is in their best interest. We need development in Ijesaland, and we believe that working closely with the Federal Government is important for any state that desires rapid growth and transformation,” he said.
Governance
Oba Haastrup described Oyebamiji as humble, experienced and accessible. He expressed confidence in the candidate’s capacity to govern the state effectively and prayed for divine guidance and success in his political journey.
Commenting of the fruits of synergy, the monarch commended former Governor of Osun State as well as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola for facilitating the construction of Ilesa-Ibadan dual carriageway, describing the project as a landmark achievement with far-reaching economic benefits for Ijesaland and the South-West.
Oyebamiji responds
Responding, Mr Oyebamjii pledged to run a people-centred and bottom-up government where people’s wants and needs will be prioritised over white elephant projects.
He promised to leverage on his 30 years experience in the banking sector, successes as former director-general of the Osun State Investment Company Limited, his achievements as former Commissioner of Finance and his exposure as the immediate MD/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority to deliver the goods to the people of Osun.
Campaign Appeal
The Director-General of the AMBO Campaign Organisation, Mr Wole Oke who appealed to the monarch to mobilise subjects for Oyebamiji’s governorship ambition, described Ijesa people as politically sophisticated and expressed confidence that they will vote for competence, experience and good governance at the poll.
He noted that Oyebamiji’s candidature offers an opportunity to reposition Osun State through inclusive governance and prudent management of public resources.
Oke added that the APC administration under Oyebamiji will ensure fairness in the distribution of appointments and developmental projects across all parts of Osun State.
