Abayomi Susan
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.
The certificate was presented to Adeleke on Wednesday at the INEC headquarters in Osogbo, formally confirming his re-election for a second term in office.
Speaking after receiving the certificate, Adeleke dedicated his victory to the people of Osun State, including workers, youths, traders, traditional and religious leaders, and other citizens who participated in the electoral process.
The governor, however, expressed concern over the violence that occurred before and during the election, which resulted in injuries, destruction of property and loss of lives.
In response, Adeleke announced the establishment of a ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to provide assistance to verified victims and families affected by the violence.
He said a verification and relief committee, to be chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, would oversee the identification of genuine victims and ensure that assistance is distributed transparently and equitably.
Adeleke also announced educational support for children of those who lost their lives during the violence. According to reports, the children will be offered scholarships through Adeleke High School and Adeleke University in Ede.
The governor expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones, stressing that political contests should never result in the loss of human lives.
He also called for unity among political actors and citizens, saying his administration would focus on moving Osun State forward following the conclusion of the election.
Adeleke defeated his major challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the August 15 election. He secured 511,067 votes against Oyebamiji’s 444,815 votes, while African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam polled 17,180 votes. Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.
Receiving the Certificate of Return, Adeleke said the mandate represented the confidence of the people of Osun State and pledged to work for the benefit of all residents.
The ₦500 million fund and scholarship initiative are expected to provide relief to families affected by election-related violence while reinforcing the governor’s call for peaceful political engagement in the state.
The development also places renewed attention on the need for peaceful elections and the protection of lives and property throughout Nigeria’s democratic process.
