By Chesa Chesa
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has welcomed the call for peace by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, following his recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Adeleke described Oyebamiji’s peace advocacy as “a positive tone” after weeks of heated campaigns and political activities leading to the August 15 governorship election.
The governor, who also met with President Tinubu last Thursday, said the APC candidate’s appeal for peace was a welcome development for the people of Osun State, who, according to him, experienced tension, trauma and violence in the two months preceding the election.
Adeleke urged members and supporters of all political parties to exercise restraint, while reflecting on what he described as a tense pre-election atmosphere.
He maintained that his administration and political team had never subscribed to violence as a tool of political engagement, even when they came under pressure during the countdown to the election.
The governor also recounted the alleged losses suffered by members of his political camp, saying he had to make concerted efforts to prevent his supporters from retaliating against attacks.
According to him, the Accord Party lost 15 members, while 20 others were injured, with several supporters 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 and will not attack APC members,” Adeleke said.
He said the election was now over and called on political actors across party lines to focus on governance and the development of the state.
“Elections have come and gone and we are all winners. The common task for us all is to sustain 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,” the governor said.
