The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has pledged to heal the wounds inflicted by the recent governorship election, unite residents and promote fairness and inclusive governance as the state marks its 35th anniversary.
Adeleke made the commitment in a statewide broadcast to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State, while commending residents for what he described as their courage, resilience and commitment to democracy despite the challenges experienced during the recent election.
The governor acknowledged the pain and sacrifices suffered by residents in the months leading to and following the governorship election, particularly families who lost loved ones and those injured during the violence.
He said, “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. In many fora, I empathise with many families who lost loved ones. Your sacrifices and those of many who were injured will not go in vain.”
Adeleke praised residents for resisting the temptation to take the law into their own hands despite what he described as serious provocations and violence.
According to him, the people demonstrated their commitment to democratic values by choosing the ballot over violence during the election.
“On the day of election, you trooped out en masse to exercise your voting rights. You did so with candour and fearlessness. Amidst reign of terror, you rejected the guns and embraced the ballot,” he said.
The governor added that residents also demonstrated courage by protecting their votes despite the risks involved.
He described the recent election as one of the toughest tests of Osun people in the 35 years since the state was created, saying their conduct had projected the state as a strong defender of democracy, integrity and the rule of law.
“By your conduct and the outcome of the polls, Osun people demonstrated to the world that we are indeed the cradle of the Yoruba race, that we are people of valour and integrity. Nationally, my people have emerged as a shining light for democratic practice,” Adeleke said.
Reflecting on his re-election, the governor promised to use his renewed mandate to promote reconciliation and ensure that no section of the state is left behind.
“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 remain open to constructive criticism and pursue an inclusive approach to governance.
He listed infrastructure, digital economy, sports development, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare expansion among the areas his administration would continue to prioritise.
He also promised increased attention to youths, women and students, while pledging to expand industrialization alongside improved workers’ welfare.
The governor said his administration would also focus on rural development, ease of doing business, wealth creation and poverty reduction.
He added that the government would continue implementing its renewed five-point agenda in line with due process, procurement regulations and best practices in project execution.
Adeleke also disclosed that his administration would establish a Commission of Inquiry into the violence that accompanied the recent governorship election.
According to him, the commission will receive memoranda from victims and residents affected by the violence, with the aim of identifying its causes, recommending solutions and preventing a recurrence.
The governor also highlighted the establishment of an election victims’ compensation fund, 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 affected residents.
Adeleke, however, urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, warning against reprisal attacks.
“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 acknowledged that Osun had faced challenges over the past 35 years but said the anniversary remained an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and achievements of its people.
He appealed for continued cooperation from residents, promising to work harder to deliver good governance and uphold the trust placed in his administration.
“On this anniversary day, we have a lot to be proud of despite our challenges. I seek your continued cooperation to further deliver good governance. I will work harder never to disappoint you, the great people of Osun State,” Adeleke said.
He concluded by wishing residents a happy anniversary and called for continued unity and progress in the state.
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