The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun on his re-election in Saturday’s polls, describing it as a renewed opportunity for development and progress in the state.

Sodiq Lawal, senior media officer, Ooni’s Palace, said this in a statement in Ile-Ife on Monday.

The monarch said the election’s conclusion should usher Osun into unity, reconciliation and purposeful governance for all communities.

He said polls naturally involve competition and divergent interests, but urged stakeholders to set political differences aside and unite for the collective interest and development of Osun people.

According to him, Mr Adeleke’s victory carries a renewed responsibility to serve all residents, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic background, religious beliefs or geographical location, while promoting peace across the state.

Mr Ogunwusi commended residents for exercising their civic responsibilities and admonished political actors, candidates, supporters and stakeholders to embrace peace and reconciliation following the electoral contest in Osun.

He particularly urged Mr Adeleke to extend an olive branch to political opponents and heal divisions that might have emerged during the electioneering period across the state through constructive dialogue.

The Ooni also advised the governor to pursue governance beyond partisan considerations, consolidating achievements while implementing projects and policies that create lasting positive impacts on residents and communities throughout Osun.

He called for greater attention to youth empowerment, employment, education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and the creative economy, describing them as critical to sustainable development across Osun State communities.

He commended ongoing infrastructural projects, including the completed Lagere flyover in Ile-Ife and road dualisation linking Mayfair to Enuwa, urging the government to extend development to other communities across the state.

The Ooni said Osun should move from political competition to economic competition, from electioneering to development, and from division to collaboration, ensuring opportunities for youths and growth for businesses.

He called for stronger collaboration between the government and traditional institutions, noting that traditional rulers help maintain peace, mobilise communities, preserve culture and advance grassroots development across the state.

The monarch, who commended INEC, security agencies, election officials, observers, media and other stakeholders, appealed to Mr Adeleke to consolidate during his second term and leave a legacy behind in Osun.

(NAN)