The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has congratulated Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the August 15, 2026, governorship election, describing the outcome as a fresh mandate and a renewed opportunity to advance the state’s development.

In a statement issued Monday by Sodiq Lawal, the Senior Media Officer at the Ooni’s Palace, the monarch stated that the conclusion of the election should mark the beginning of a new chapter characterised by unity, reconciliation, and purposeful governance in Osun state.

According to the Ooni, while elections were naturally driven by competition and divergent political interests, the end of the electoral process required all stakeholders to set aside their differences and unite in the collective interest of the people.

“Your victory comes with a renewed responsibility to serve the entire people of Osun state, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic background, religious belief, or geographical location.

“The election is over, but the work of building a stronger, more prosperous, and peaceful Osun has only just begun,” the Ooni said.

The monarch commended the people of Osun state for peacefully exercising their civic responsibility and urged all political actors, candidates, supporters, and stakeholders to embrace peace. 

He specifically called on Governor Adeleke to extend an olive branch to political opponents and work toward healing any divisions that emerged during the campaign period.

Emphasising that governance must transcend partisan considerations, the Ooni noted that this second term provided an opportunity for the administration to consolidate its achievements and pursue impactful, long-term projects. 

He urged the governor to prioritise critical growth sectors, including youth empowerment, job creation, education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and the creative economy.

The Ooni also acknowledged the administration’s ongoing infrastructural projects across the state, such as the completed Lagere Flyover in Ile-Ife and the road dualisation project linking Mayfair to Enuwa, and urged the government to sustain this momentum in other communities.

“Osun is richly endowed with human and cultural resources. Our state must now move from political competition to economic competition, from electioneering to development, and from division to collaboration.

“We must build an Osun where our young people can find opportunities, where businesses can thrive, where our cultural heritage can drive tourism and investment, and where every community feels the presence of government,” the Ooni stated