Adeleke Reaches Out to Former Leaders for Peace in Osun State

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has taken the opportunity of the state’s 35th anniversary to talk about healing after the recent elections with former governor, Chief Bisi Akande.

Adeleke shared this in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, which was released in Osogbo on Friday. He mentioned that this effort is part of his plan for peace in Osun after the elections.

The statement also said that the governor has started various initiatives to mend the divisions caused by the governorship election. He spoke with Akande, who is the former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress and a past governor of Osun. Adeleke urged a return to dialogue and unity among leaders following the elections.

Adeleke informed Akande about his efforts for peace and the need for all leaders to support a plan for post-election peace. He emphasized the importance of uniting the people after they were divided by violence during the election period.

The governor also reached out to former Governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rauf Aregbesola. He expressed his wish to reconcile all political groups and congratulated them on the 35th anniversary of Osun State.

Additionally, Adeleke contacted former governor Gboyega Oyetola and the APC governorship candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, by phone. However, he noted that there had been no response from them at the time of this report.

While discussing his outreach to various leaders, Adeleke 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 development."

He added, "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 also mentioned that he is aware of President Bola Tinubu's request for him to lead efforts in peacebuilding 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. We must unite our people and prepare an enabling environment for them to enjoy the dividends of democracy and continuous delivery of good governance."

The governor stated, "I will not stop in my peace drive to sustain development. This is a sacred task I am passionately committed to."