Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on political leaders and residents of the state to embrace peace, reconciliation and unity following the conclusion of the governorship election.
Adeleke made the call in a statement posted on his X account on Thursday, as the state marked the 35th anniversary of its creation.
The governor said he had reached out to some of his predecessors to congratulate them on the anniversary and discuss the need to promote healing and unity among the people of the state.
According to him, he spoke with former governors Chief Bisi Akande, Senator Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
Adeleke said he also attempted to reach former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, but was unable to speak with them.
“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,” the governor said.
Adeleke said he was committed to building bridges across political divides and would continue to engage stakeholders irrespective of their political affiliations.
He said his reconciliation efforts were also in line with what he described as a charge by President Bola Tinubu to promote peacebuilding and reconciliation in the state.
“I remain conscious of the charge by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to champion peacebuilding and state reconciliation. I will therefore continue to reach out to all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation,” Adeleke said.
The governor stressed that the development of Osun should take precedence over political differences, noting that all residents deserved to enjoy the benefits of democratic governance 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 added.
Adeleke described peacebuilding and reconciliation as a responsibility he was determined to pursue, pledging not to relent in efforts to unite the state.
“I will not stop in my peace and reconciliation drive. Together, we will heal Osun, unite our people and build a greater state,” the governor said.
