Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has intensified efforts to promote political reconciliation after the recent governorship election, reaching out to former governors, opposition leaders and other senior political figures as part of a wider peace building initiative.
Adeleke used the occasion of the state’s 35th anniversary to engage former Governor Bisi Akande, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, on the need to restore elite dialogue and reduce political tension following the election.
The governor said his objective was to heal divisions created by the campaign period, which was marked by intense rivalry and reports of violence in parts of the state.
He briefed Akande on the reconciliation steps already initiated and appealed for support from political leaders across party lines.
Adeleke also spoke with former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rauf Aregbesola, while congratulating them on the anniversary of the state’s creation and discussing the need for a broader political settlement.
The governor said he had also attempted to contact former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, although no response had been received at the time of the report.
Adeleke said the anniversary provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of past leaders while shifting attention from electioneering to governance.
He repeated his earlier position that the election should not be treated as a contest producing permanent winners and losers.
According to him, the priority after the polls should be the restoration of peace, stronger governance and an environment in which residents could benefit from development regardless of political affiliation.
The governor also referred to President Bola Tinubu’s call for peace building and reconciliation in Osun, saying he regarded the assignment as an important responsibility.
Adeleke said his government would continue reaching out to political leaders and groups in an effort to rebuild trust.
He argued that political disagreements should not become an obstacle to development.
The reconciliation effort comes shortly after the August 15 governorship election and is expected to test whether opposition leaders are willing to participate in a broader post election dialogue.
Adeleke said he would remain committed to the peace initiative because sustained development required a calmer political environment and greater cooperation across partisan lines.
