Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on politicians from all parties to prioritize unity for the progress of the state, The Track News Nigeria reports.
The appeal came during the grand finale of the annual Olojo Festival on Saturday in Ile-Ife.
Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Adeleke stressed the need for political rivals to set aside differences in order to foster peace and harmony across Osun.
The governor praised the Ooni of Ife for his tireless efforts in promoting Yoruba culture and tradition on a global scale.
He urged both politicians and residents to continue supporting Oba Ogunwusi in his mission to ensure peace and development in the state.
Highlighting the presence of leaders from diverse political backgrounds at the festival, Adeleke said it demonstrated that unity was achievable regardless of party affiliations.
He further emphasized reconciliation and constructive engagement among politicians, noting, “Politicians have fought themselves long enough and should now work towards building a peaceful atmosphere for development.”
Adeleke also cautioned against political rivalry escalating into violence, urging leaders to put the state’s interest above personal ambitions.
He appealed to both youths and elders to resist any efforts to incite violence in Ile-Ife and the broader state.
Senator Iyiola Omisore, former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress also lauded the Ooni for his dedication to preserving tradition and fostering peace.
Omisore described the Olojo Festival as “a significant cultural heritage that unites the Yoruba people and attracts global attention.”
Mr. Hassan Oladotun, President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, described the festival as “a grand celebration of the aesthetic cultural heritage of Yorubaland,” and encouraged Yorubas globally to embrace the Omoluabi ethos, principles, and values wherever they are.
The President of the Ife Development Board, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, praised the Ooni for his fatherly role and for elevating the festival to international prominence, noting, “the festival is not only for the people of Ife but a global celebration.”
Tourists from countries including Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Canada attended the event. João Silva from Brazil described the festival as “full of sacred traditions and vibrant displays of Yoruba culture,” adding, “Being here feels like a homecoming. The energy, the rituals, and the unity are deeply moving.”
The festival also attracted notable Nollywood stars, such as Lere Paimo (Eda Onile-Ola) and Idowu Philips (Iya Rainbow).
The Track News Nigeria notes that the Olojo Festival, one of the oldest Yoruba cultural celebrations, commemorates the day of creation and honors Ogun, the god of iron.
During the event, the Ooni of Ife emerges from seclusion wearing a sacred crown to bless the people and renew spiritual identity, marking the descent of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba people.
