Osun: Minister Oyetola, APC Guber Candidate Oyebamiji Snob Gov Adeleke’s Peace Initiative
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has suffered an unexpected setback in his post-election reconciliation efforts.
Governor Adeleke’s telephone calls to former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and Bola Oyebamiji—the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the August 15 governorship election—aimed at fostering peace, were met with no response.
This development was confirmed in a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed. The statement disclosed that Governor Adeleke had earlier made similar outreach calls to former Governors Adebisi Akande, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
Adeleke reportedly made the move in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of Osun State’s creation, seeking true reconciliation following the violence that marred the recently concluded governorship poll.
Reflecting on his outreach to the state’s notable leaders, Governor Adeleke stated:
“We are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear state. Therefore, it is customary that I felicitate with leaders from various groups. I commend them for their contributions to the development of the state.
“My central message is to preach and act for peace and reconciliation. I repeat my earlier statement that there is no victor and no vanquished. The election has come and gone, and it is time for us to return to governance and heal electoral wounds.
“I am conscious of the directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for me to champion peacebuilding and reconciliation in the state. This is my main preoccupation, as reflected in my state address, and it remains my appeal to my predecessors and my fellow contestants in the last gubernatorial election.
“We must unite our people and create an enabling environment for them to enjoy the dividends of democracy and the continuous delivery of good governance. I will not relent in my drive to sustain peace and development. This is a sacred task to which I am passionately committed.”
