Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has intensified his efforts to promote political reconciliation and restore peace among the state’s political leaders following the governorship election.
Adeleke made the move as Osun marked the 35th anniversary of its creation, using the occasion to engage former governors and key political figures in discussions on peace, unity and the future development of the state.
According to a statement issued to Naija News on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke held extensive discussions with former governor and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bisi Akande.
The governor reportedly briefed Akande on his ongoing reconciliation initiatives and stressed the need for political leaders across party lines to support efforts aimed at healing the divisions created by the election period.
Adeleke also spoke with former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rauf Aregbesola, outlining his commitment to reconciling the various political groups in the state.
While congratulating the former governors on the 35th anniversary of Osun State, Adeleke urged them to support efforts to restore cordial relationships among the state’s political elite.
The governor also reached out by telephone to former governor Gboyega Oyetola and the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. However, there was no response to the calls as of the time of filing the report.
Explaining his approach, Adeleke said the anniversary provided an opportunity to engage leaders from different political camps and recognise their contributions to the development of the state.
He said: “We are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear state. So, it is customary that I felicitate with leaders from various groups. I commended them for their contributions to state developments.
“Then, my central message is to preach and act for peace and reconciliation. I repeated my earlier statement that there is no victor, no vanquished. Election has come and gone and it is time for us to return to governance and healing of electoral wounds.”
Adeleke said he was mindful of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for him to champion peacebuilding and reconciliation in Osun.
According to him, rebuilding trust among political stakeholders remains a priority as the state moves beyond the election and focuses on governance and development.
“I am conscious of the request of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that I should champion peace building and state reconciliation. That is my preoccupation as reflected in my state address and that is my appeal to my predecessors and even my fellow contestants in the last guber election,” he said.
The governor further called on political leaders to unite the people and create an environment where residents can benefit from democratic governance.
“We must unite our people and prepare an enabling environment for them to enjoy the dividends of democracy and continuous delivery of good governance.
“I will not stop in my peace drive to sustain development. This is a sacred task I am passionately committed to,” Adeleke added.
