Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has pledged to heal the wounds caused by recent election-related violence and pursue an inclusive administration as the state marks its 35th anniversary. Adeleke made the commitment in a state broadcast shared via the state’s X handle, on Thursday, August 27, to commemorate the 35th……
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has pledged to heal the wounds caused by recent election-related violence and pursue an inclusive administration as the state marks its 35th anniversary.
Adeleke made the commitment in a state broadcast shared via the state’s X handle, on Thursday, August 27, to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State.
The governor acknowledged the losses and disruptions suffered by residents during the recent governorship election, expressing sympathy with families who lost loved ones and those injured in the violence.
“I recognise the pains and sacrifices of our people in the last few months. We all recognise the unfortunate disruptions in our lives due to the recent governorship election,” he said.
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He commended residents for what he described as their commitment to democracy and the rule of law, noting that they resisted the temptation to take the law into their own hands despite what he called “the worst form of provocations.”
According to Adeleke, residents demonstrated courage by turning out to vote despite the violence and defending their votes at personal risk.
“Amidst reign of terror, you rejected the guns and embraced the ballot,” the governor said, adding that Osun residents had demonstrated that they were “people of valour and integrity.”
Adeleke described the recent election as the toughest test of the state’s character since its creation, saying the conduct of residents had projected Osun as a model of democratic practice.
“Nationally, my people have emerged as a shining light for democratic practice,” he said
The governor, who said residents had renewed his leadership mandate despite the difficult circumstances, promised to prioritise reconciliation, fairness and inclusive governance.
“As you have again conferred the leadership mandate on me under recent difficult circumstances, I promise to heal the wounds, unite the people and uphold equity and fairness,” he said.
Adeleke said his administration would build on its programmes in infrastructure, digital economy, sports, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare, while giving special attention to youths, women and students.
He also promised renewed efforts towards industrialisation, workers’ welfare, rural development, ease of doing business, wealth creation and poverty reduction.
The governor said the administration would continue implementing its five-point agenda in line with due process, procurement regulations and best practices in project execution.
He further announced measures to address the aftermath of the election violence, including the planned establishment of a Commission of Inquiry.
“Our administration is setting up a Commission of Inquiry on election violence. The body will take memorandum from all victims and residents who are affected by recent electoral violence,” Adeleke said.
According to him, the inquiry would identify the causes of the violence, recommend remedies and prevent a recurrence.
The governor also disclosed that the state had established an election victim compensation fund headed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.
He said the initiative was designed to “cushion the effect of the recent needless violence” on affected residents.
Adeleke urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, warning against reprisal attacks as the state moves forward from the election crisis.
“As we celebrate the anniversary of the creation of our dear state, I urge all residents to be law abiding and avoid violence. We must not engage in reprisal attacks,” he said.
The governor expressed pride in Osun’s achievements over the past 35 years despite its challenges and appealed for continued cooperation from residents.
“I will work harder never to disappoint you, the great people of Osun state,” he said.
