By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Prominent political leaders in Osun State have extended goodwill messages to the Muslim Ummah as they join the rest of the world to mark the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir festival, urging prayers, sacrifice, unity and renewed faith in God and the nation.

Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; and National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ajibola Basiru, in separate messages, felicitated with Muslims and charged them to reflect on the significance of the festival.

Governor Adeleke, in his Sallah message, hailed the steadfastness and resilience of the people of Osun, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be in vain, as his administration remains committed to delivering impactful governance.

While congratulating the Muslim faithful for the spiritual rebirth offered by the celebration, Adeleke urged them to draw inspiration from the story of Prophet Ibrahim (ASW) whose submission to the will of Allah yielded divine blessings.

“When Allah asked Prophet Ibrahim (ASW) to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (ASW), he did not hesitate. His total submission to the will of Allah brought divine reward,” he noted.

Adeleke stressed that the moment offers an opportunity to support the needy and champion communal development.

“Eid-el-Kabir is not just a celebration. It is a moment of deep faith, sacrifice, and reward. Our people have shown immense perseverance and trust in this administration. We are responding with tangible, impactful initiatives that restore hope and transform lives,” he said.

The Governor further called for sustained prayers and support for his administration’s vision to reposition Osun as a progressive state not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.

In the same vein, former Osun State Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, emphasised the virtues of unity, sacrifice and service.

He said the Eid celebration serves as a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and faith in God, adding that the period offers a chance for renewed commitment to both divine and human service.

“Eid al-Adha reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God. It is a time to renew our faith, show compassion and rededicate ourselves to serving God and humanity,” Oyetola stated.

The Minister commended the resilience and industrious spirit of Osun people and charged them to use the occasion to foster peace, love, and mutual respect across all divides.

“Let us reach across boundaries with love and compassion. Our diversity should be a strength, not a fault line,” he said.

Oyetola also appreciated APC members in the state for their steadfastness and loyalty, urging them to sustain unity and remain committed to building a better Nigeria.

Similarly, APC National Secretary and leading governorship aspirant in the state, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, in a goodwill message through his campaign spokesperson, Professor Sulaiman Ajala, congratulated Muslims and expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the gift of life.

Basiru called on Muslims to use the holy period to pray for the prosperity of Osun State and the success of the APC in the forthcoming 2026 governorship election.

“We thank Almighty Allah for the grace to celebrate. It is not by our power but by divine privilege. I appreciate the support given to President Tinubu’s administration, whose bold reforms are beginning to yield results,” Basiru stated.

He took a swipe at the Adeleke-led administration, describing it as “clueless,” while commending members of the Alubarika Movement for their commitment and loyalty to his political aspirations.

“Let us use this period of answered prayers to ask for divine intervention for our dear state, our nation, and our great party,” he added.

Dr. Basiru urged Muslims to celebrate in moderation and extend love, kindness and generosity to people of all faiths during the festivities.