Osun State Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, has appealed to politicians and youths across the state to avoid actions capable of disturbing public peace and unity.
Adewusi made the appeal on Saturday during the grand finale of the annual Olojo Cultural Festival held in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The event climaxed with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, adorning the sacred Are Crown.
The Ooni, who wears the Are Crown only once a year, was accompanied by a large crowd from his Enuwa Palace to Oke Mogun, where he performed traditional rites replicating the symbolic journey of Oduduwa to the Ogun shrine centuries ago.
Speaking to the crowd of dignitaries, residents, and cultural enthusiasts from within and outside the country, Adewusi, who represented Governor Ademola Adeleke, urged politicians to work collectively for the progress of Ile-Ife regardless of political differences.
“My admonition goes to the politicians. I plead with us, regardless of our political differences, we should cooperate for the development of this community,” he said.
Adewusi noted that collaboration among political leaders would foster peace and development in the ancient town.
He also warned that persistent political conflicts could hinder the growth of Ile-Ife.
“Our cooperation will bring development to Ile-Ife. If you observe me, I have been engaging Senator Omisore. We discussed and exchanged banter. That’s how to guarantee peace and with peace in the community, our father will also have a rest of mind and enjoy his reign.
“But if we choose to fight among ourselves, the community won’t gain anything from such a situation,” he cautioned.
The Deputy Governor, while urging residents and indigenes to put the interest of Ile-Ife above partisan politics, called on all political stakeholders to use their influence to attract development to the town.
“I plead with us in the name of our father, Ooni Ogunwusi, let’s embrace the Omoluabi ethos while playing our politics in Ile-Ife. We had rancorous politics in the past, and that benefited no one.
“I urge us indigenes and residents, no matter the political party we belong to, let’s look at how we are going to leverage our political connections to aid the growth of Ile-Ife,” he added.
Turning his message to the youth, Adewusi appealed for restraint and responsible conduct as the 2026 gubernatorial and 2027 general elections draw closer.
He admonished young people to avoid being used for violence or political thuggery.
“We are going into an electioneering period. I plead with our youths, don’t let us involve ourselves in acts capable of disrupting public peace.
“If any youth is engaged in causing chaos, he or she should reject it. We have had enough fighting among ourselves in Ife. We have had enough political disagreement in Osun State; there should not be rancour again,” he concluded.
DAILY POST recalled that recently, chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ife Federal Constituency passed a vote of no confidence Adewusi.
The PDP chieftains accused the Osun deputy governor and two others of anti-party activities.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, in other to douse the seeming tension. also passed a confidence vote on his deputy and arranged for a fence mending meeting where the issue and misunderstandings were settled.
