Oba Ogunwusi calls on governor to reconcile with opponents and focus on youth empowerment, jobs, infrastructure and economic growth.
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 unite 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 chapter of reconciliation, unity and purposeful governance in Osun.
Oba Ogunwusi urged Adeleke to extend an olive branch to his political opponents and govern all residents irrespective of their political affiliations, ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs or locations.
He also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to put the election behind them and work together for the peace and development of the state.
The Ooni urged the governor to use his second term to consolidate his administration’s achievements while prioritising youth empowerment, employment, education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and the creative economy.
He commended ongoing infrastructure projects, including the completed Lagere Flyover in Ile-Ife and the Mayfair-Enuwa road dualisation project, urging the government to extend similar development to other communities.
Oba Ogunwusi also called for stronger collaboration between the state government and traditional institutions, saying traditional rulers have important roles in maintaining peace, mobilising communities and promoting grassroots development.
He commended INEC, security agencies, election officials, observers, the media and other stakeholders for their roles in the conduct of the election.
The monarch urged Adeleke to regard his re-election as a call to greater service and make his second term a legacy-building period that would leave a lasting impact on the people of Osun.