Ooni congratulates Adeleke on re-election, calls for unity in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election in the August 15 governorship election, describing the victory as a fresh mandate and an opportunity to advance the development of the state.

Ogunwusi, who is the permanent chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council and co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, made the call in a statement issued on Monday by Sodiq Lawal, Senior Media Officer at the Ooni’s Palace, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare.

The monarch noted that the conclusion of the election should usher in a new chapter of unity, reconciliation and purposeful governance in Osun State, urging political actors and other stakeholders to put their differences aside in the interest of the people.

“Your victory comes with a renewed responsibility to serve the entire people of Osun State, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic background, religious belief or geographical location. The election is over, but the work of building a stronger, more prosperous and peaceful Osun has only just begun,” he said.

The Ooni urged the governor to use his second term to consolidate his administration’s achievements and pursue policies and projects with lasting impact on the people, particularly in youth empowerment, employment, education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and the creative economy.

“Osun is richly endowed with human and cultural resources. Our state must now move from political competition to economic competition, from electioneering to development, and from division to collaboration.

“We must build an Osun where our young people can find opportunities, where businesses can thrive, where our cultural heritage can drive tourism and investment, and where every community feels the presence of government,” he added.

While appealing to political actors, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to embrace peace, Oba Ogunwusi called on Adeleke to extend an olive branch to his political opponents and work towards healing divisions that may have emerged during the electioneering period.