Salaam, in a statement on Thursday, made the call after paying consultative visit to traditional rulers across Iwo, Olaoluwa and Ayedire Local Government Areas of the state ahead of Osun 2026 governorship election.
He described traditional institutions as critical stakeholders in governance, stating their enduring roles as custodians of culture, peace and community cohesion.
Salaam who is all the former speaker of Osun Assembly reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, cultural preservation, grassroots development and people-centred leadership.
"Traditional rulers are to be respected and I cannot but come and meet you our royal fathers and village heads to seek your blessings and support in the forthcoming governorship election.
"The Baales are close to the people especially at the grassroots, that was why we have come to meet you first.
You are very important and that is why we cannot look down on you," he said.
He pledged that, if elected, his administration would prioritise consultation, responsiveness and effective service delivery for the benefit of all people of Osun.
He appealed to the community leaders to sensitise their subjects on the importance of participating actively in the electoral process by exercising their franchise.
He maintained that the ADC remains a credible platform capable of delivering sustainable grassroots development across the state.
In their separate remarks, ADC leaders and former senator, representing Osun West, Sen. Adelere Oriolowo, appealed to traditional rulers to support Salaam and the party ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election
NAN
