- Odibo Victory
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has congratulated the Governor of Osun state, Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, describing it as a renewed opportunity for development and progress in the state.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer, Sodiq Lawal, at the Ooni’s Palace on Monday in Ile-Ife.
Oba Ogunwusi said the conclusion of the election should usher Osun into an era of unity, reconciliation and purposeful administration for all communities.
He said elections naturally involved competition and divergent interests, but appealed to stakeholders to put political differences aside and work together for the collective interest and advancement of the state.
According to him, Adeleke’s victory comes with a renewed responsibility to serve all residents, irrespective of their political affiliation, ethnic background, religious beliefs or geographical location, while fostering peace across the state.
Ogunwusi praised residents for exercising their civic responsibilities and urged political actors, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to embrace peace and reconciliation following the electoral contest.
He particularly tasked Adeleke to extend an olive branch to his political opponents and bridge divisions that may have emerged during the electioneering period through constructive dialogue.
The Ooni also advised the governor to pursue governance beyond partisan considerations, building on existing achievements while implementing projects and policies capable of creating lasting positive impacts on residents and communities across Osun.
Ogunwusi called for greater attention to youth empowerment, employment, education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and the creative economy, describing them as key areas for sustainable development across the state.
He commended ongoing infrastructural projects, including the completed Lagere flyover in Ile-Ife and road dualisation linking Mayfair to Enuwa, while urging the government to extend such development to other communities across the state.
The Ooni said Osun should move from political competition to economic competition, electioneering to development, and division to collaboration, ensuring more opportunities for youths and growth for businesses.
He called for closer cooperation between the government and traditional institutions, noting that traditional rulers help maintain peace, mobilise communities, preserve culture and promote grassroots development across the state.
Ogunwusi, who also praised INEC, security agencies, election officials, observers, media and other stakeholders, appealed to Adeleke to consolidate his achievements during his second term and create a lasting legacy in Osun.
