Olojo 2025: Gov Adeleke Calls For Political Unity, Hails Ooni’s Cultural Leadership

Olojo 2025: Gov Adeleke Calls For Political Unity, Hails Ooni’s Cultural Leadership. Ile-Ife marks its 2025 Olojo Festival, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, called on all politicians, regardless of their political parties, to reject division and embrace unity for the development of the ancient city and the state.

The governor appealed 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. Represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, Governor Adeleke warmly welcomed political leaders, including former deputy governor and governorship aspirant, Senator Iyiola Omisore, members of the National Assembly, the Osun State House of Assembly, the Asiwaju of the Source, Chief Alex Duduyemi, royal fathers, chiefs, and thousands of participants who thronged the ancient city.

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The governor also stressed the importance of setting aside political differences to maintain peace. He noted 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 Senator Omisore, we sit together and dialogue. This is how peace can reign.

There is no gain in violence,” Adeleke said, emphasising the need for reconciliation and constructive engagement among politicians. He cautioned against political rivalry degenerating into violence, urging leaders to prioritize the interests of the state over personal ambitions. According to him, politicians have fought themselves long enough and should now work towards building harmony. Addressing the youth and elderly, the governor appealed to them to resist any attempts to incite violence in Ile-Ife or across Osun State.

He charged residents to continue promoting peace so that the festival could be celebrated even more joyfully in the coming year. Governor Adeleke also prayed for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, commending him for his relentless efforts in promoting Yoruba culture and tradition to global recognition.

He urged all stakeholders to support the monarch in ensuring peace and development in the land. Speaking with newsmen, Senator Iyiola Omisore described the festival as a significant cultural heritage that unites the Yoruba people and attracts global attention. He commended the Ooni for his commitment to preserving tradition and promoting peace. Omisore further assured that if he emerges as governor, he will work tirelessly to ensure that the Olojo Festival is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.