The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, on Tuesday led national commissioners, directors, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, and his technical aides on a courtesy visit to the His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife palace as part of the commission’s advocacy and stakeholder engagement ahead of the August 15, 2026 off cycle Osun State Governorship Election.
The INEC delegation, which arrived earlier at the Akure Airport, was received by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola and the REC for Ondo State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, before proceeding to the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife.
Addressing the monarch and other traditional rulers, Prof. Amupitan conveyed the commission’s greetings and appreciation for the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace and democracy.
He described the Ooni as a revered custodian of Yoruba heritage and said it was a privilege for the Commission to visit the ancient palace to seek royal blessings ahead of the election.
The INEC Chairman formally reminded the royal fathers that the Osun State Governorship Election would hold on August 15, 2026, while also announcing that the 2027 General Election would commence with Presidential and National Assembly Elections on Saturday, 16th January 2027, followed by Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections on Saturday, 6th February 2027.
According to him, the visit, which had long been planned but delayed by electoral activities across the country, was part of INEC’s efforts to deepen stakeholder engagement and rebuild public trust in the electoral process.
Prof. Amupitan said Osun State has consistently demonstrated a strong democratic culture, expressing confidence that the forthcoming governorship election would serve as a credible dress rehearsal for the 2027 General Election.
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