Ooni congratulates Adeleke on re-election, urges unity for Osun development

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has congratulated Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, on his re-election in Saturday’s polls, describing it as a renewed opportunity for development and progress.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Ile-Ife by Sodiq Lawal, Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace.

Oba Ogunwusi said that the election’s conclusion should usher Osun into unity, reconciliation and purposeful governance for all communities.

He said that polls naturally involved competition and divergent interests, but urged stakeholders to put political differences aside and unite for the collective interest and development of Osun  people.

According to him, Adeleke’s victory carried renewed responsibility to serve all residents, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic background, religious beliefs or geographical location, while promoting peace across the state.

Ogunwusi commended residents for exercising their civic responsibilities and admonished political actors, candidates, supporters and stakeholders to embrace peace and reconciliation following the electoral contest in Osun.

He particularly charged Adeleke to extend an olive branch to political opponents and heal divisions that might have emerged during the electioneering period across the state through constructive dialogue.

The Ooni also advised the governor to pursue governance beyond partisan considerations, consolidating achievements while implementing projects and policies capable of creating lasting positive impacts on residents and communities throughout Osun.

Ogunwusi called for greater attention to youth empowerment, employment, education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and the creative economy, describing them as critical to sustainable development across Osun State communities.

He commended ongoing infrastructural projects, including the completed Lagere flyover in Ile-Ife and road dualisation linking Mayfair to Enuwa, urging government to extend development to other communities across the state.

The Ooni said that Osun should move from political competition to economic competition, electioneering to development, and division to collaboration, ensuring opportunities for youths and growth for businesses.

He called for stronger collaboration between government and traditional institutions, noting that traditional rulers help maintain peace, mobilise communities, preserve culture and advance grassroots development across the state.

Ogunwusi, who commended INEC, security agencies, election officials, observers, media and other stakeholders, appealed to Adeleke to consolidate during his second term and leave a legacy behind in Osun.