OSOGBO, OSUN STATE — Governor Ademola Adeleke has pledged to heal the wounds of the recent governorship election, unite the people of Osun State and ensure equity and fairness in the administration of the state.


Adeleke made the commitment in a state broadcast marking the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State, while commending residents for what he described as their courage, patriotism and commitment to democracy despite the violence and tensions that surrounded the recent election.


The governor expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones and residents who were injured during the electoral period, assuring that their sacrifices would not be in vain.


According to him, Osun residents demonstrated a strong belief in democracy and the rule of law by resisting the temptation to resort to self-help despite alleged provocations and violence.


He particularly praised voters who turned out in large numbers on election day, describing their decision to choose the ballot over violence as a demonstration of courage and democratic maturity.


Commission of Inquiry on Election Violence


Adeleke disclosed that his administration would establish a Commission of Inquiry into the recent election violence.


He said the commission would receive memoranda from victims and residents affected by the violence, with a mandate to investigate the causes of the incidents, identify remedies and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.


The governor also announced the establishment of an Election Victim Compensation Fund, to be headed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.


He said the initiative was designed to cushion the effects of the violence on victims and affected residents.


Adeleke Lists Areas of Focus


The governor further pledged that his administration would build on its achievements in infrastructure, digital economy, sports development, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare.


He said youths, women and students would continue to receive special attention, while the government would pursue industrialisation alongside workers' welfare.


Adeleke also promised greater attention to rural integrated development, ease of doing business, wealth creation and expanded anti-poverty programmes.


He said the administration would continue implementing its renewed five-point agenda while adhering to due process, procurement regulations and best practices in project execution.


The governor added that the state would strengthen the local content model and expand financial inclusion through cooperative-sector financing.


Call for Peace


As Osun marks 35 years of statehood, Adeleke urged residents to remain law-abiding and reject violence and reprisal attacks.


He appealed for continued cooperation from the people, assuring them that his administration would work harder to deliver good governance and consolidate the development of the state.


“Happy Anniversary celebrations. Long live Osun State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the governor said.