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 advance development across the state.
In a statement issued on Monday in Ile-Ife by the Ooni’s Senior Media Officer, Sodiq Lawal, Oba Ogunwusi urged the people of Osun to put the political contest behind them and focus on unity, reconciliation and good governance.
He said although elections naturally create competing interests, all stakeholders should now work together in the interest of the state and its people.
The monarch urged Adeleke to govern inclusively, regardless of political affiliation, ethnic background, religious belief or place of residence, while promoting peace and cohesion across the state.
Ogunwusi also appealed to the governor to reach out to his political opponents and address divisions created during the election campaign through dialogue and reconciliation.
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He advised the governor to make development the priority of his second term by strengthening existing projects and introducing policies that would improve the lives of residents.
The Ooni identified youth empowerment, employment, education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and the creative industry as key areas requiring sustained attention.
He commended ongoing infrastructure projects, including the completed Lagere flyover in Ile-Ife and the road dualisation from Mayfair to Enuwa, while urging the government to extend similar projects to other communities.
Ogunwusi called on Osun to shift from political rivalry to economic competition and from electioneering to development, with greater opportunities for young people and businesses.
He further advocated stronger cooperation between the state government and traditional institutions, noting their role in maintaining peace, mobilising communities, preserving cultural heritage and supporting grassroots development.
The Ooni commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, election officials, observers, the media and other stakeholders for their roles in the election.
He urged Adeleke to use his second term to consolidate his achievements and leave a lasting legacy of development in Osun State.
