the battle for the soul of Osun State gathers momentum, the Ataoja’s open declaration of support for Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has thrown other political parties in the state into massive confusion.

During the recent constituency tours across Osun State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Laroye II, openly endorsed Aregbesola and the African Democratic Congress as the state prepares for the 2026 gubernatorial election.

The 21st Ataoja and paramount ruler of Osogbo, Oba Oyetunji, made this declaration during a courtesy visit to his palace in Osogbo as the ADC rounded off its constituency tour.

Oba Oyetunji spared no words as he emotionally affirmed his loyalty, saying he would follow and support Aregbesola wherever he goes.

“Your coming to Osogbo today is symbolic. I had not heard that you adopted a new party until now. Your open declaration, along with the people who followed you, means the whole of Osogbo will stand behind you. No one will see me without seeing Aregbe, and whenever you see Aregbe, you will certainly see me.

“Aregbesola’s journey this time is different because he has come with a renewed commitment to work for the betterment of the people of Osun. He is one man I respect greatly because, when some naysayers mounted pressure on him to dethrone me, he refused to listen.

“We are not ingrates in Osogbo. Osogbo is always united when it comes to politics. I am for Aregbesola. I will never leave him. Wherever he goes, we shall follow.”

According to multiple sources, this declaration has thrown opposition parties into complete disarray, considering the weight and influence the revered monarch commands among the Council of Kings in Osun State.

A fearless and straightforward ruler, Oba Oyetunji explained that his decision to support the leader of the Omoluabi ethos in Nigeria stems from the need to return Osun to a system of governance where social welfare and human capital development take preeminence.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, said:“For a First Class Oba like the Ataoja of Osogbo to openly declare support for any party or individual outside the ruling party means a lot. He was unapologetic about it. That speaks volumes.

“And as you can see, no one has dared to challenge him. The opposition is afraid to speak out because they have seen the handwriting on the wall. It will not be business as usual in Osun. The state is ready for a progressive government, a government that prioritises social welfare and human capital development.”

The Anambra State Police Command confirms an attempted armed attack on Ezinifite Community, Nnewi South Local Government Area in the early hours of today, 27th October 2025. Fortunately, the attack was successfully repelled following a swift response and resistance from combined security team of the Police and Agunechamba Vigilante Operatives in the area.

The Joint Security Team engaged the assailants in a gunfire exchange, leading to the neutralization of one (1) of the attackers, while the others escaped into a surrounding bush with suspected bullet injuries. The operatives also recovered one pump-action gun from
the scene as well as the body of the neutralized suspect.

Meanwhile, offensive and intelligence follow-up operations are currently ongoing in collaboration with Police tactical teams to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc minps PhD, commended the vigilance and bravery of the local security architecture and assured residents that the Command remains fully committed to securing all communities, especially as the November 8, 2025 Governorship Election approaches.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Police Command, Awka

27th October 2025

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc minps PhD, today 27th October 2025, continued his statewide strategic engagements on election patriotism and community security awareness with visits to Ihiala Area Command and Oraifite Division.

According to the press statement signed by SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Police Command, Awka “During the engagements, the CP interacted with some stakeholders including the President General of Ihiala Community, Commander Agunechemba Vigilante Group, the Youth Chairman, and a representative of the Local Government Chairman and officers and men of the Police Command operating in the respective jurisdictions.

In Ihiala Area Command, CP Orutugu expressed optimism about the security structural deficit, having come to an end. He commended the good people of Ihiala and Oraifite for their courage, civic responsibility, and continued cooperation with security agencies, noting that the communities have demonstrated resilience and collective resolve by refusing to allow criminal elements to influence political participation or disrupt community stability. While in Oraifite, the CP commended the cooperation of other security agencies towards the Police in the area and reiterated that the Police cannot take the glory alone for the safety in the area. He also stated that all local Vigilantes of any kind are not part of the election security.

He reaffirmed that the Police remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring that the forthcoming November 8, 2025, Governorship Election is conducted in a peaceful, secure and credible atmosphere. He emphasized that patriotism during elections means rejecting intimidation, resisting fear-based narratives and participating freely in the democratic process.

While addressing officers and men under the Area Commands, the CP charged them to maintain discipline, professionalism, courtesy and high operational standards, stressing that policing must remain people-centered, intelligence-driven and rooted in the protection of human rights.

The Commissioner further assured that the Joint Security framework remains active and will be reinforced and expanded across communities to prevent criminal infiltration and sustain peace before, during, and after the election.

The Command calls on Ndi Anambra to remain law-abiding, vigilant and proactive in providing credible information that can support ongoing security operations. Anyone with useful information is encouraged to report to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency contact lines on 112 or 07039194332 for a prompt response.