*Photo: Governor Ademola Adeleke*
The Osun State Muslim Community has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, urging all political actors and residents to unite and focus on peace, good governance and development.
The community, in a statement signed by its President, Alhaji Mustafa Adeleke Olawuyi, on Sunday, described Adeleke’s victory in Saturday’s governorship election as an affirmation of the confidence reposed in him by the people of the state.
It commended political parties, contestants, electoral officials, security agencies and voters for their commitment to democratic principles and the peaceful conduct of the election.
According to Olawuyi, the victory should not be seen as belonging to any individual or political party alone, but as a reflection of the collective democratic will of the people of Osun State.
He said the Muslim community would support the governor’s development agenda aimed at improving the welfare and prosperity of residents irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political affiliations.
The community also appealed to opposition parties, political contestants and their supporters to embrace reconciliation and put aside post-election grievances in the interest of the state.
“The elections have been held, the results are in, and now we must all turn our faces toward the future with renewed commitment to peace and national development,” the statement said.
The Muslim community urged Adeleke, as he begins his second term, to govern with magnanimity and extend an olive branch to his political opponents.
It called on the governor to prioritise critical infrastructure, quality education, affordable healthcare and economic opportunities, while ensuring fairness and equity across all communities and constituencies.
The community further urged the administration to strengthen engagement with faith-based organisations, uphold the rule of law and protect the fundamental rights of all citizens.
Olawuyi also called on Muslims Christians, traditionalists and other residents of the state to remain active participants in the governance process by holding government accountable while supporting genuine development initiatives.
He said the Muslim community would serve as a bridge-builder between the government and the people, promote interfaith dialogue and social harmony, and advocate justice, transparency and good governance.
The community expressed appreciation that Osun State was spared the electoral violence recorded in some other parts of the country, describing the peaceful conduct of the election as a blessing that must be protected.
Quoting Qur’an 4:135, Olawuyi urged residents to remain committed to justice and peaceful coexistence in the post-election period.
“The ink on the ballot papers has dried and the results are known. But the true work of democracy, governing justly, serving faithfully, and building prosperity together, now begins in earnest,” he said.
The Muslim community pledged to partner with the Adeleke administration and other patriotic citizens in advancing the development of Osun State.
It also prayed for wisdom for the governor to lead with justice and ensure the protection and welfare of all citizens, regardless of how they voted in the election.