Oyebamiji seeks Ooni’s blessings ahead of Osun election
Osun State Local Council Chairmen, elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, donated 300 motorcycles to the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies to strengthen security operations across the state.

The donors, under the umbrella of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, stated that the intervention is a manifestation of the success of the autonomy being granted to local councils.

Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the APC in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has sought royal blessings from the Ooni of Ife ahead of the governorship election, pledging to uphold public trust and deliver good governance if elected.

Oyebamiji, who spoke during the visit, said his ambition is anchored on service, accountability, and commitment to the development of Osun State.

He commended the Ooni for his efforts to promote Yoruba unity and preserve cultural heritage, describing Ile-Ife as a symbol of historical and spiritual significance.

The distribution of the motorcycles, held at the Osun State Police Headquarters, Osogbo, witnessed the presence of representatives of security agencies in the state, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the NSCDC, the Osun Vigilante Group, the Hunters, and Local/Community Security.

However, the Osun State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, was not represented at the distribution of the security motorcycles, and neither was its name included in the list of the beneficiaries sighted by our correspondent.

In the list of the distribution of the security motorcycles as contained in the programme of event, 10 motorcycles were given to each of the 30 councils in Osun.

The ALGON chairman, who is the Chairman of Ifedayo Local Council, said the initiative aims to enhance rapid response, improve patrol efficiency, and support ongoing measures to curb crime and ensure the safety of Osun residents.

He urged the beneficiaries of the motorcycles to deploy them judiciously and maintain them properly.

Also, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, commended ALGON for the intervention and assured them that the motorcycles would be used judiciously.

In his remarks, the leadership of the APC, through its Director of Media, Kola Olabisi, lauded the reinstated APC council executives and assured that more gestures are still to come for the people of the state through them.

A former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, expressed assurance that the support given to security agencies through the donation of motorcycles would help curb kidnappings and other security challenges across the state.

Owoeye disclosed that the council chairmen would soon donate operational vehicles to security agencies.

In his response, the Ooni of Ife commended Oyebamiji for demonstrating humility and respect for traditional institutions, describing them as essential qualities of leadership.

He, however, urged politicians to promote unity and avoid actions that could deepen divisions within the political space.