Adeleke Reaches Out To Ex-governors, Oyebamiji For Osun Reconciliation

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for peace, reconciliation and unity among political leaders and residents of the state, saying the time has come to heal following the conclusion of the governorship election.

Adeleke made the call in a statement shared on his official X handle on Friday as the state marked its 35th anniversary.

The governor said he used the occasion to reach out to some of his predecessors to congratulate them and discuss the need for peace and unity in the state.

Adeleke said he spoke with former governors Bisi Akande, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rauf Aregbesola, while he also attempted to contact former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, by phone.

According to him, the message conveyed during the engagements was that the recent political contest should be put behind the people of the state.

“My message was simple: there is no victor, no vanquished. The election is over; it is now time to heal, reconcile and unite our people,” Adeleke said.

The governor said he remained mindful of the directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to champion peacebuilding and reconciliation across the state.

“I will therefore continue to reach out to all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.

Adeleke maintained that Osun belonged to all its residents and called for an environment that would allow the people to enjoy the benefits of democracy and sustained development.

“Osun belongs to all of us, and we must create an environment where our people can enjoy the dividends of democracy and benefit from continuous development,” he said.

The governor described the peace and reconciliation drive as a “sacred responsibility” to which he remained committed.

“This is a sacred responsibility I am passionately committed to. I will not stop in my peace and reconciliation drive,” Adeleke said.

He added: “Together, we will heal Osun, unite our people and build a greater state.”