The Osun State government has warned political actors, individuals and groups against actions capable of disrupting public peace following the recently concluded governorship election.
The government also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to restore law and order amid reports of alleged plans to trigger fresh crises in some parts of the state.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who called on residents and political stakeholders to embrace reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
According to the statement, the government expressed concern over immediate post-election disruptions reported in some areas, while also sympathising with victims of violence recorded before the election.
“The government also noted the immediate post-election disruptions in some areas of the state and urged all residents and citizens of the state to allow restoration of peaceful co-existence and rule-based interactions among all sectors of the society,” the statement said.
The government said it was particularly concerned by reports of alleged plans by some stakeholders to cause fresh disturbances across local government councils and motor parks.
It warned that any such plan, if confirmed, must be halted immediately, stressing that Osun requires stability and development rather than violence driven by political disagreements.
The government said the election had already been concluded, noting that President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke had engaged on a peaceful path forward.
“The Osun election has been won and lost. Mr President and Mr Governor had engaged on a peaceful way forward. Any push towards violence represents an affront on the Presidency and the Nigerian Constitution,” it said.
The state government further called on security agencies to enforce the rule of law while ensuring the release of political detainees and addressing what it described as perceived partisan policing, particularly in the management of local governments and motor parks.
It also urged politicians and other stakeholders to moderate their actions and statements, saying the state must now focus on healing, reconciliation and development.
“We call on all political actors to speak and act peacefully. Osun should be in a period of healing and building. We must not allow a relapse into the pre-election era of killings and violence,” the statement added.
The warning came days after Governor Adeleke commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, for advocating peace after meeting with President Tinubu in Abuja.
Adeleke had described Oyebamiji’s call for peace as “a positive tone after weeks of heated campaign and election season” and appealed to political leaders across the state to work together for the development of Osun.
The government’s latest position underscores its call for political stakeholders to move beyond the election and prevent renewed tensions from escalating into violence.
