August 23, (THEWILL) — The deliberate efforts by the major parties in the Osun governorship election to seek peace after the polls are commendable. The move directly contrasts with the post-election atmosphere of violence and inflammatory rhetoric used by politicians during the election. It began with President Bola Tinubu, who congratulated re-elected Governor Ademola Adeleke even when other leaders of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, within and without Osun, were still reeling from the defeat of their candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji.
Then, the governor immediately made inter-party contacts, first with a visit to the President and then to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, leader of the approved Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. And then again, with Oyebamiji himself, who met with the President at the Presidential Villa on Friday. These moves have the power to reset thinking and calm frayed nerves still boiling over in the aftermath of the poll.
Doubtless, Oyebamiji is still mulling his defeat in that election that his party most probably saw as a pathway to the 2027 general poll. But his reaction after the meeting with the President shows he is ready to embrace peace and ensure the pre-election madness that claimed over 40 lives, sundered relationships, and created fear among the citizenry was left behind.
However, it is hard to know with politicians. They say one thing but mean another. They talk in the day but plan at night. They may appear genuinely public with their intentions, but their supporters take a long time to key in.
The attack on the governor’s convoy during his visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, is a case in point. It should be treated with the seriousness it deserves. After all, the Police have confirmed that the gunmen who carried out the attack targeted Afrobeat star David Adeleke, alias Davido, a key participant, if not one of the major deciders of the poll’s outcome, in favour of his uncle.
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Also, there is a viral video, purportedly made by the attackers, claiming they would strike again. The attack on the governor’s convoy, whether by hoodlums as the Police described the attackers, shows that emotions are yet to run their full course after the poll has been won and lost.
This is why we urge the major actors currently seeking the return of peace to the state to sustain their efforts by matching their words with action at every opportunity and be ready to sanction any of their erring members and supporters. After their separate visits to the President, Governor Adeleke and Oyebamiji expressed readiness to bring peace to Osun people. Still, the APC candidate called on the governor to “talk to his people, even in my village, Ikire, some people were attacked,” while the governor directly appealed to the Oyebamiji and former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to ‘join him to move Osun forward.” These are statements with heavy political undertones. But these leaders have to keep at it, one step after the other.
Both contestants in the governorship poll may have to consider jointly addressing their supporters and members on the need for peace, real peace. Osun citizens who trooped out en masse to cast their votes despite the pre-election violence and intimidation deserve to enjoy the fruit of their civic duty.
