Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
OSUN State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the August 15 governorship election, while declaring a N500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to support verified victims and families affected by the violence.
Speaking while receiving the certificate, which was presented to Adeleke at the INEC headquarters in Osogbo by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in charge of Osun State, Professor Kunle Ajani, at a brief ceremony, he thanked the people of the state for renewing their mandate.
He stressed that his victory was dedicated to the people who stood by him throughout the electoral process.
He, however, called for sober reflection over the violence recorded during the election, which he said resulted in injuries, destruction of property and loss of lives.
“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.
Tribute to Victims of Electoral Violence
Adeleke also paid tribute to victims of electoral violence, including Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass and Kolade Eluyera.
“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,” he said.
He added: “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.”
Relief Committee to Oversee Distribution
The governor said 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 verified victims and the distribution of relief.
According to him, the intervention would be humanitarian rather than political.
“No eligible victim will 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,” Adeleke said.
The governor’s victory in the August 15 poll marked a significant milestone in Osun State’s political landscape, with Adeleke securing a second term in office after a keenly contested election.
The announcement of the N500 million endowment fund has been widely welcomed by civil society groups and residents, who have called for transparent management of the funds to ensure that victims and their families receive the support they desperately need.
The Osun State governorship election was characterised by pockets of violence in some parts of the state, with reports of ballot box snatching, intimidation of voters and clashes between supporters of rival political parties.
Security agencies have promised to investigate the incidents and bring perpetrators to justice. The state government has also vowed to implement measures to prevent a recurrence in future elections.
As Adeleke begins his second term, he faces the challenge of delivering on his campaign promises, including improving infrastructure, healthcare and education, while also addressing the economic challenges facing the state.
