Traditional worshippers across Osun State on Tuesday held a special Isese prayer session to herald the New Year 2026, offering supplications for peace, stability and sustained development in the state, with Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, assuring them of his administration’s continued respect for all faiths and support for indigenous traditions.

Governor Adeleke, who addressed the gathering, expressed delight at being among traditional worshippers, apologising for his absence at previous prayer sessions while reaffirming his deep regard for people of all faiths, including adherents of Isese.

He acknowledged the consistent prayers and spiritual support of traditional worshippers, noting that despite his past non-attendance, the government was always duly represented at such gatherings.

The Governor attributed the successes recorded by his administration across critical sectors to divine guidance and inter-faith prayers, stressing that Osun State would overcome its challenges through unity and the power of Olodumare.

He assured that his government would not regress, would continue to deliver people-oriented governance, and would resist forces of oppression and underdevelopment, adding that Osun was firmly on the path to progress and prosperity.

Governor Adeleke further charged traditional worshippers to sustain prayers for leaders and the success of government, expressing confidence that attempts by detractors to truncate the state’s progress had been spiritually nullified.

He assured them of government support, disclosing that he had directed the Commissioner for Home Affairs and his Special Adviser on Traditional Matters to engage the Isese community on areas of need, in recognition of their contributions to the state’s development.

He concluded by expressing optimism that the state would witness resounding success in the coming years, declaring that the administration would return to give thanks for fulfilled promises, while urging traditional worshippers not to relent in spiritual support as the government navigates the demands of governance.

Speaking on behalf of traditional worshippers, the President of the Traditional Worshippers Association of Osun State (TWARZO), Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Adeleke for recognising indigenous traditions and according Isese practitioners respect and inclusion within the state’s governance framework.

He commended the Governor for promoting religious tolerance and cultural preservation.

Dr. Atanda reiterated that traditional worshippers play vital roles in fostering peace, unity and communal harmony, stressing that indigenous faith adherents contribute meaningfully to community development and should be accorded their rightful place in the socio-political structure of the state.

He assured that traditional institutions would continue to pray for stability and good governance in Osun.

As the prayer session concluded, the TWARZO President affirmed the association’s support for the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, pledging that traditional worshippers would stand by the Governor and sustain prayers for the success of his leadership and the overall progress of Osun State through 2030.