Aregbesola Leads ADC Campaign Kick-off in Historic Ile-Ife

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) officially kicked off its governorship campaign in Ile-Ife, Osun state, with a strong emphasis on the city's historical and cultural importance. Rauf Aregbesola, the party's National Secretary, led the campaign council, highlighting Ile-Ife as the symbolic and historical "source" of the Yoruba people.

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Ile-Ife remains our source. It has been about eight years since we last came here for this purpose. We came with the candidate of our former political party, and although the people of Ife stood solidly with us, God did not permit that opportunity to be fully utilised.

During the campaign launch at the Ooni's Palace, Aregbesola addressed the Lowa Adimula of Ifeland, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, and other party chieftains. He noted that it had been eight years since the party last began a campaign in Ile-Ife, recalling their previous visit with a different political party. Aregbesola reaffirmed the tradition of commencing political campaigns in Ile-Ife, believing it to be their origin and seeking royal blessings before major political activities.

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Our tradition has always been to begin our political campaigns in Ile-Ife because we believe this is our source. Since 2004, we have consistently visited the palace to seek royal blessings before embarking on major political activities, and we are here today to continue that tradition.

Oba Adeyeye echoed the sentiment, reaffirming the Ooni's commitment to peaceful coexistence regardless of political affiliation. He described Ile-Ife as the spiritual and historical cradle of the Yoruba race and stressed the importance of according the city the development it deserves, drawing parallels with other significant cultural centers in Nigeria.

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Ile-Ife remains the source and ancestral home of the Yoruba people. Politics in modern Nigeria has a rich history that also has strong roots in Ile-Ife.

"The Hausa people regard Sokoto as their source, and today Sokoto continues to enjoy significant development. The Igbo people hold Enugu in high esteem as one of their historic centres, and its growth is evident. We, as Yoruba, who acknowledge Ile-Ife as our source, must collectively ensure that this ancient city receives the attention and development it deserves," Oba Adeyeye stated. He recalled the historical significance of the late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, who served as Governor of the old Western Region, emphasizing that Ile-Ife has not seen comparable development since his tenure.

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The Hausa people regard Sokoto as their source, and today Sokoto continues to enjoy significant development. The Igbo people hold Enugu in high esteem as one of their historic centres, and its growth is evident. We, as Yoruba, who acknowledge Ile-Ife as our source, must collectively ensure that this ancient city receives the attention and development it deserves.