The Diocesan Bishop of Ijesa North Anglican Diocese, The Rt. Revd. Dr. Isaac Oluyamo, has called on political actors and their supporters in Osun State to end the divisions generated by the 2026 governorship election and embrace reconciliation in the interest of peace and development.
Oluyamo made the appeal during a prayer session at Open Heaven Anglican Church, Ilase-Ijesa, where he offered prayers for Governor Ademola Adeleke, Senator Francis Fadahunsi and the people of the state.
The cleric congratulated Adeleke on his victory at the polls and prayed for wisdom, strength and divine direction as he prepares to commence his second term in office.
He urged the governor to lead with justice, humility and a commitment to the welfare of the people, saying the state needed responsible leadership as it moves beyond the electoral season.
The Bishop, however, made a specific appeal to residents of the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District to accept what he described as Fadahunsi’s apology and allow reconciliation to take place following disagreements associated with the election.
“I appeal passionately to the good people of the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District to accept the Senator’s apology and, in the spirit of peace and reconciliation, look beyond the disagreements associated with the election,” he said.
Oluyamo urged the people to also acknowledge what he described as Fadahunsi’s contributions to the development and empowerment of constituents, particularly initiatives directed at young people.
He cautioned political actors and their supporters against allowing electoral contests to permanently damage relationships among families, friends and communities.
According to him, political offices and elections are temporary, while relationships and the bonds that hold communities together are enduring.
“Elections will come and go, but relationships, families, communities and the bonds of brotherhood must endure,” the Bishop said.
He consequently appealed to politicians and their supporters on different sides of the political divide to forgive one another, rebuild trust and work towards restoring unity across the state.
“Political contests may produce winners and losers, but humanity must remain the winner,” he added.
The cleric also called for sustained attention to issues of peace, education, economic development and opportunities for the younger generation, saying political differences should not distract stakeholders from the broader development needs of Osun.
During the visit, Oluyamo inspected the proposed site of Obokun University in Ilase-Ijesa and prayed for the successful completion and commencement of the institution.
He prayed for the proprietor and other stakeholders behind the project, asking for the resources needed to overcome challenges and facilitate the commencement of academic activities.
The Bishop said the university, when established, could contribute to the educational and socio-economic development of Ijesaland by creating opportunities for young people.
He also prayed for the safety and stability of Osun State, seeking divine protection against accidents, sudden deaths and other calamities.
Oluyamo further led prayers for the remaining months of 2026, seeking preservation, restoration, favour, open doors and breakthroughs for residents of the state.
The prayer session also featured prayers for The Revd Canon Julius Olufemi and Mrs Mary Kehinde Adekunle as they approach retirement from active church service, with the Bishop appreciating them for their years of service and commitment to the church.
Anchoring his message on Psalm 23, Oluyamo urged the people to remain hopeful and trust in God amid political developments and other challenges confronting the state.
He said the priority after the elections should be peace and reconciliation, stressing that Osun stakeholders must avoid actions capable of deepening political divisions and instead focus on rebuilding relationships and advancing the interests of the state.
