Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, for advocating peace following his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu. The governor described the initiative as “a positive tone after weeks of a heated campaign and election season.”
Governor Adeleke, who also met with President Tinubu on Thursday, noted that the peace advocacy was a welcome development for the people of Osun, who endured trauma and violence in the months leading up to last Saturday’s elections.
In a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor welcomed the call for restraint across all political parties.
Reflecting on the pre-election climate of fear and conflict, Adeleke emphasised that his camp never resorted to violence as a campaign tool, despite facing severe pressure during the countdown to the polls.
Recounting the difficulty of holding back his supporters from retaliating against attacks, the governor disclosed that the Accord Party suffered significant losses, including 15 members killed, 20 injured and scores detained by the police.
“I am forever a man of peace. It is heartwarming that my brother, Oyebamiji, is also preaching peace. I assure him that my supporters have not attacked and will not attack APC members,” Adeleke stated.
“Elections have come and gone, and we are all winners. Our common task now is to sustain the delivery of democratic dividends and good governance to the good people of Osun State.
“I welcome Mr Gboyega Oyetola, Bola Oyebamiji, and other opposition leaders to join hands with me to take Osun to greater heights. We are all important stakeholders in this Osun project.”
Meanwhile, the Imole Campaign Council (TICC), which championed the re-election campaign of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, has expressed profound gratitude to the people of the state for their steadfast support, which ensured the governor’s success at the polls.
In a letter of appreciation jointly signed on Friday by the Director-General and Secretary, Senator Lere Oyewumi and Prince Bola Ajao, respectively, the council also offered deep appreciation to traditional rulers for their continuous prayers.
“We extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the good people of Osun State for the confidence, support, prayers, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment demonstrated throughout our journey,” the statement read.
“The victory we celebrate today belongs, first and foremost, to God Almighty and to the good people of Osun State. It is a testament to the strength of your faith in the Imole vision and your determination to see Osun continue on the path of progress, development, and good governance.
“To our Royal Fathers and Traditional Rulers, we salute your wisdom, dignity, and invaluable counsel. Your leadership remains a pillar of our communities, and we deeply appreciate your prayers and support.
“To our religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, we are grateful for your prayers, guidance, and continued commitment to peace, unity, and the wellbeing of our state.
“To our party faithful and loyal supporters who stood firm through every stage of the journey, we say thank you. Your dedication, resilience, and belief in the cause were instrumental to this moment.
“To our market women, artisans, traders, farmers, and transport workers, who constitute the heartbeat of Osun’s everyday economy, we appreciate your sacrifices, your voices, and your steadfast support.
“To the workers of Osun State, whose dedication keeps our state functioning, we recognise and honour your contribution to the growth and development of our dear state.
“To our youth groups and student bodies, thank you for bringing your energy, ideas, determination, and hope for the future into this journey. The future of Osun belongs to you, and your voice matters.
“To our non-indigene communities and groups living in and contributing to the prosperity of Osun, we say thank you for choosing Osun as home and for standing with us. Osun is stronger because of the diversity, enterprise, and contributions of all who call it home.
“To our elder statesmen and women, we are grateful for the wisdom, experience, and guidance you continue to offer. Your contributions to the political and socio-economic development of Osun State remain invaluable.
“To our industrialists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, we appreciate your confidence in the future of Osun State and your continued investment in the state’s economy and its people.
“And to every citizen of Osun State—at home and in the diaspora, including those whose names may never appear in newspapers or on campaign platforms, but whose prayers, encouragement, resources, and goodwill sustained this journey—we see you, we value you, and we thank you.
“This moment belongs to all of us. The journey was not without challenges, but your steadfastness reminded us that when the people unite behind a vision, no obstacle can extinguish their collective hope.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we are conscious that victory itself is not the destination. It is a renewed responsibility to serve, to listen, to unite, and to deliver on the aspirations of the people.
“We therefore make a solemn commitment: the trust you have placed in the Imole vision will never be taken for granted.
“May we continue to work together across political, religious, ethnic, generational, and social lines to build an Osun State that we can all be proud to call home,” TICC added.
(The Sun)