OSUN @ 35: ADELEKE SEEKS RECONCILIATION WITH OSUN POLITICAL LEADERS AFTER ELECTION

ADELEKE SEEKS RECONCILIATION WITH OSUN POLITICAL LEADERS AFTER ELECTION

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reached out to some of the state’s former governors and political leaders as part of efforts to promote reconciliation and restore political dialogue following the recent governorship election.

Adeleke made the move as the state marked its 35th anniversary, using the occasion to engage former Governor and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande, as well as former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rauf Aregbesola.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo on Friday.

According to the statement, Adeleke’s discussions with the former leaders centred on his administration’s efforts to promote post-election peace and encourage political leaders to support reconciliation across the state.

The governor reportedly briefed Akande on the steps being taken to address political divisions arising from the election and urged political leaders to support efforts aimed at bringing people together.

Adeleke also spoke with Oyinlola and Aregbesola, congratulating them on the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State and explaining his intention to reconcile political groups across the state.

The governor also attempted to reach former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and the APC governorship candidate in the recent election, Bola Oyebamiji, by telephone. According to the statement, there had been no response from the two at the time the statement was issued.

Explaining his decision to reach out to political leaders, Adeleke said the anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of past leaders while also promoting peace.

“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 development.

“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,” he said.

The governor also referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for peacebuilding and reconciliation, saying he considered the issue a major responsibility of his administration.

“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. 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 said.

The governor’s reconciliation efforts come against the backdrop of reported political tensions and violence associated with the election period.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Election Violence Relief Committee has begun steps towards addressing the concerns of people affected by election-related violence.

The committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, called on victims to submit their cases for consideration.

Egbedun made the appeal during the maiden meeting of the committee, according to a statement by the Speaker’s Press Secretary, Olamide Tiamiyu.

The Speaker described the committee’s assignment as humanitarian and sensitive, stressing the need for members to listen to victims, verify genuine claims and ensure that appropriate relief reaches those who suffered losses as a result of election-related violence.

The development is part of broader efforts in the state to address the consequences of political violence and promote reconciliation following the election.