The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, describing the victory as an opportunity to deepen development and foster greater unity across the state.
The monarch, in a statement issued on Monday by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, said the conclusion of the governorship election should mark the beginning of a new phase of reconciliation, purposeful governance and collective development in Osun.
Oba Ogunwusi urged political actors, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to put aside their differences and work together in the interest of the people.
He said Adeleke’s re-election came with the responsibility to serve all residents of the state, regardless of political affiliation, ethnic background, religious belief or geographical location.
“Your victory comes with a renewed responsibility to serve the entire people of Osun State. The election is over, but the work of building a stronger, more prosperous and peaceful Osun has only just begun,” the monarch said.
The Ooni also commended the people of Osun for participating in the electoral process and called on all stakeholders to embrace peace following the election.
He specifically urged Adeleke to extend an olive branch to his political opponents and work towards healing divisions that may have emerged during the campaign period.
According to him, the governor’s second term should be used to consolidate his administration’s achievements while introducing policies and projects that would deliver lasting benefits to residents.
The monarch identified youth empowerment, employment, education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and the creative economy as areas requiring increased attention.
He commended ongoing infrastructure projects across the state, including the recently completed Lagere Flyover in Ile-Ife and the road dualisation project linking Mayfair to Enuwa, while urging the government to extend development to other communities.
“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,” he said.
Oba Ogunwusi further called for stronger cooperation between the state government and the traditional institution, stressing that traditional rulers remained important partners in maintaining peace, mobilising communities and promoting grassroots development.
He assured the governor of the traditional institution’s continued support for initiatives focused on peace, cultural preservation, youth development, tourism and economic growth.
The Ooni also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, election officials, observers, the media and other stakeholders for their roles in the conduct of the election.
He urged Adeleke to see his re-election as a call to greater service and make his second term a legacy-building period that would positively impact both present and future generations.
The monarch prayed for wisdom, strength and divine guidance for the governor, stressing that the ultimate responsibility of every leader is to leave society better than it was found.
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