Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called on residents of the state to put the 2026 governorship election behind them and unite for the development of the state.
Adeleke made the call on Wednesday while receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.
The governor described the presentation as a moment of gratitude and reflection, saying the certificate belonged not to him alone but to the people of Osun State who participated in the democratic process.
He, however, expressed concern over the violence that characterised parts of the election, noting that citizens were injured, properties and livelihoods were destroyed, while lives were lost.
“No election, political office or ambition is worth the life of a single citizen,” Adeleke said.
The governor specifically remembered victims of electoral violence, including Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass and Kolade Eluyera, describing them as brothers and fellow citizens irrespective of their political affiliations.
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 during the election.
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, a Verification and Relief Committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun, would oversee the identification of victims and the distribution of relief.
The governor stressed that the intervention would be humanitarian rather than political, assuring that no eligible victim would be excluded on the basis of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status.
Adeleke said the conclusion of the election had ushered in a new phase of governance, declaring that the campaign and political contest were over.
“The election is over. The campaign is over. The contest is over. Now is the time to govern, unite, heal and build,” he said.
He thanked those who voted for him and those who supported other candidates, assuring residents that he remained governor for all.
Adeleke pledged that his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and economic development, with emphasis on accountability, inclusion and transparency.
“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 remain united and focus on rebuilding the state, saying the occasion should be marked by gratitude for victory and sober remembrance of those who lost their lives.
“Today, we are grateful for victory, but sober in remembrance. Tomorrow, we return to work,” Adeleke said.
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