…Urges stakeholders to embrace peace and good governance
The election has come and gone. The people have spoken, the results have been declared, and Ademola Adeleke has emerged as the winner and Governor of Osun State. At this point, the priority of every political actor should not be to create tension or intimidate perceived opponents but to contribute to the peace, stability, and development of the state.
There should be no post-election crisis, harassment, intimidation, or political violence. The opposition has every democratic right to express its concerns and pursue legitimate legal avenues where necessary, but such disagreements must never become an excuse for violence, thuggery, or attacks on individuals.
The people of Osun deserve better.
There are growing concerns about possible attempts to attack or intimidate some individuals within the government. If such plans exist, they must be abandoned immediately. No one should allow themselves to be used as an agent of thuggery, destruction, or political vendetta. Political disagreements should never degenerate into bloodshed or the destruction of lives and property.
Even at the national level, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Governor Adeleke on his electoral victory. This should further remind all political actors that the election is behind us, and governance must now take center stage.
Rather than sharpening political swords, this is the time to sheath them.
The opposition should strengthen its political structures, prepare for future elections, and continue to hold the government accountable through legitimate democratic means. The ruling party, on its part, must govern with humility, fairness, and a genuine commitment to serving every resident, including those who did not vote for it.
Osun is bigger than any political party, candidate, or individual.
What should concern everyone now is how to make the state better. How do we improve infrastructure? How do we create opportunities for young people? How do we strengthen education, healthcare, and agriculture? How do we attract investment and create an environment where businesses can thrive?
These are the questions that deserve our attention.
Politics will always come and go, but the consequences of violence can last for generations. No one should allow temporary political disagreements to destroy the peace that belongs to everyone.
Governor Adeleke has been given a mandate by the people. He should be allowed to work and deliver on that mandate, while the opposition remains vigilant and constructive in holding the government accountable.
The time for political contest is over. The time for governance, reconciliation, and development has begun.
Let every political leader, supporter, and resident choose peace over provocation, development over destruction, and unity over division.
Osun must move forward, and everyone has a role to play.
Signed:
Comrade James Onifade
Advocate for Good Governance and Judicial Reform
