- announces ₦500m fund for victims of recent political violence
- full scholarships by the Adeleke family up to university level for children, dependents of victims of recent election violence
By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared to his people that now is the time to heal and unite Osun State which was a tragic theatre of tensiin chaos, confusion, bloodshed and deaths before, during and after the just concluded August 15;governorship election.
Simultaneously, he announced scholarships by the Adeleke family up to university level for children of victims of recent election violence, and another ₦500 million fund by his government for victims of the violence.
In an emotion laden voice, he appealed to the people of the state to put behind them the bitterness of the just-concluded governorship election, declaring that the time has come to unite, heal and rebuild Osun State.
The governor made the call on Wednesday in Osogbo,the state capital shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his victory in that election.
INEC National Commissioner in charge of the South-West, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, presented the certificate to him at an elaborate ceremony held in at commission’s headquarters in Osogbo
Speaking after the presentation, Adeleke said the occasion was not merely about receiving an official document but a moment of gratitude, reflection and appreciation to the people of Osun State for participating in the democratic process.
He described the certificate as a renewed mandate from the people rather than a personal trophy.
“Today is not merely about the presentation of a Certificate of Return. It is a moment of gratitude, reflection and appreciation to the people of Osun State who stood firm for democracy.
“This certificate does not belong to Ademola Adeleke alone. It belongs to the people of Osun State: our workers, market men and women, youths, traditional and religious leaders, and every citizen who participated in this democratic process. I am deeply humbled by the confidence you have renewed in me,” he said.
The governor, however, urged residents to remain sober despite the electoral victory, citing reports of violence, injuries, destruction of property and loss of lives during the election period.
Adeleke expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones, stressing that no political ambition was worth the life of any citizen.
“But even in victory, we must be sober in reflection. Citizens were injured, properties and livelihoods were destroyed and, most painfully, precious lives were lost.
“It is deeply painful that any family should have to bury a loved one because of politics. No election, political office or ambition is worth the life of a single citizen,” he said.
The governor specifically remembered Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass, Kolade Eluyera and other victims of electoral violence.
He said their political affiliations should not determine how their deaths were remembered, noting that they were first and foremost citizens of Osun State.
“Regardless of political affiliation, they were first our brothers, sisters and fellow citizens. To their families, your pain is our pain, and your loved ones will never be reduced to mere statistics,” Adeleke said.
Adeleke Announces ₦500m Election Violence Fund
As part of measures to assist families affected by electoral violence, Adeleke announced that the Adeleke family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, would provide full scholarships up to university level for the children and dependants of those who lost their lives.
He also announced the establishment of a ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund by the Osun State Government to support verified victims and affected families.
According to him, the fund would be administered through a verification and relief mechanism to ensure transparency and fairness in identifying victims and distributing assistance.
Adeleke said the Verification and Relief Committee would be chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun.
“This is not a political intervention. It is a humanitarian responsibility,” he declared.
The governor assured that no eligible victim would be excluded because of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status.
“In grief, there is no political party. In our common humanity, we are one people,” he said.
‘The Election Is Over, Time to Unite’
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Adeleke also extended an olive branch to his political opponents and their supporters, saying the conclusion of the election marked the end of the period of political contestation.
“My dear people of Osun State, I receive this Certificate of Return not as a trophy or a weapon against anyone, but as a renewed contract with you.
“The election is over. The campaign is over. The contest is over. Now is the time to govern, unite, heal and build,” he said.
The governor thanked those who voted for him for renewing their confidence in his administration and also appreciated those who supported other candidates for participating in the democratic process.
“To those who voted for me, I thank you. To those who voted for another candidate, I thank you for participating in our democracy. I remain Governor to all, and together we must place Osun State above politics,” Adeleke said.
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He pledged that his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and economic development.
Adeleke also promised to deepen accountability, inclusion and transparency in governance during his renewed tenure
“You have given me another opportunity to serve, and I accept this responsibility with humility. I will work harder. I will listen more. I will do more,” he said.
The governor urged residents to embrace peace and look beyond the political divisions created during the electioneering period.
He said, “Today, we are grateful for victory, but sober in remembrance. Tomorrow, we return to work.
“May God comfort every family that has suffered loss, heal the injured, bless our people and continue to bless the State of the Living Spring.”
Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, had defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to secure a second term, while Oyebamiji scored 444,815 votes, giving the incumbent a winning margin of 66,252 votes.
The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.
The governor’s call for unity and healing comes as Osun begins a new political phase following a closely contested election, with attention now shifting from campaigns and electoral competition to governance and reconciliation.
