As Ile-Ife marks its 2025 Olojo Festival, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, called on all politicians regardless of their political parties to reject division and embrace unity for the development of Ife, Osun, and Nigeria at large.
The Governor made the appeal on Saturday, during the ongoing 2025 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, where dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria gathered to celebrate the annual cultural event.
Gov. Adeleke, who was represented by Prince Kola Adewusi, commended Ooni for his relentless efforts in promoting Yoruba culture and tradition to global recognition.
He urged all stakeholders to support Oba Ogunwusi in ensuring peace and development in the land, and stressed the importance of setting aside political differences to maintain peace.
He stated that the presence of leaders from diverse political backgrounds at the festival was proof that unity was possible, regardless of party affiliations.
"If you see me and Sen. Iyiola Omisore, we sit together and dialogue. This is how peace can reign. There is no gain in violence," Adeleke said.
The Governor emphasized the need for reconciliation and constructive engagement among politicians, saying politicians have fought themselves long enough and should now work towards building harmony.
The Governor cautioned against political rivalry degenerating into violence, urging leaders to prioritise the interest of the state over personal ambitions.
Adeleke charged youth and elders to resist any attempts to incite violence in Ile-Ife or the State, and admonished residents to continue promoting peace so that the festival could be celebrated even more joyfully in the coming year.
Speaking with newsmen, Sen. Omisore, commended Ooni for his commitment to preserving tradition and promoting peace, and described the festival as a significant cultural heritage that unites the Yoruba people and attracts global attention.
The President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, Aare Hassan Oladotun described the Olojo Festival as a grand celebration of the aesthetic cultural heritage of Yorubaland.
Oladotun urged Yorubas across the world to uphold and embrace the Omoluabi ethos, principles, and values wherever they found themselves.
The President of the Ife Development Board, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, appreciated the Ooni for his fatherly role and for elevating the Olojo Festival to global prominence.
Adefaye said that the festival is not only for the people of Ife, but a celebration of worldwide significance, and admonished all and sundry to unite and support the Ooni in further expanding the reach and impact of the festival.
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