Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has pledged to reconcile residents, promote fairness and run an inclusive administration following the recent governorship election in the state.
Adeleke made the commitment in a state broadcast on Thursday to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Osun State, while reflecting on the deaths, injuries and disruptions recorded during the recent electoral crisis.
The governor said the circumstances surrounding the election had placed Osun’s democratic values under serious strain, but commended residents for their commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
A statement released on his official X handle quoted him as saying, “My people, 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,”
“Our administration will be all inclusive and attentive to criticisms in our bid to strengthen state development.”
Adeleke acknowledged the hardship experienced by residents in recent months, particularly families that lost relatives during the election-related violence.
“I recognise the pains and sacrifices of our people in the last few months,” Adeleke said.
“We all recognise the unfortunate disruptions in our lives due to the recent governorship election. In many fora, I empathize with many families who lost loved ones. Your sacrifices and those of many who were injured will not go in vain.”
Adeleke Announces Inquiry, Compensation Fund
The governor announced plans to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence that accompanied the election.
He said the commission would receive memoranda from victims and other residents affected by the incidents, with the aim of determining the causes of the violence and recommending measures to prevent a recurrence.
“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,” he said.
“This initiative is to identify the causes and remedies and proffer ways to stop such recurrence in the future.”
Adeleke also announced the creation of an election victim compensation fund, to be headed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.
“Our administration has also set up an election victim compensation fund headed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun,” Adeleke said.
“This initiative is to cushion the effect of the recent needless violence.”
He appealed to residents to reject retaliatory attacks and remain peaceful.
“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.
Adeleke Applauds Osun Voters
The governor also commended Osun residents who participated in the election despite the violence and security concerns surrounding the exercise.
“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.
“As true sons and daughters of the source, you not only voted but you defended your votes even at personal risk to your lives. Again, I doff my cap for your courage and patriotism.”
Adeleke described the latest governorship election as the most significant test of the state’s identity since its creation.
READ ALSO: Adeleke Charges New Osun CP To Restore Public Trust
“Of all developments in the last 35 years of the creation of our dear state, this last state election stands out as the toughest test of who we are as a people,” he said.
“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.”
He added that the events surrounding the election went beyond the contest for political office.
“Our recent experience as a state is not only a defence of democracy but of good governance and rule of law,” Adeleke said.
Governor Promises More Development
Looking ahead, Adeleke said his administration would consolidate its work across infrastructure, the digital economy, sports, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare.
“We will build on our achievements on state infrastructure, digital economy, sports development, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare expansion,” he said.
“The youth, women and students will continue to receive special attention.”
He further promised to intensify efforts in industrialisation, workers’ welfare, rural development, ease of doing business, wealth creation and poverty reduction.
“We will continue to implement our renewed five point agenda within the compass of due process, procurement regulations and project implementation best practices,” Adeleke said.
“We will further refine the adoption of the local content model while expanding financial inclusion through cooperative sector financing.”
As Osun marked 35 years as a state, the governor sought continued support from residents, promising to remain committed to delivering good governance.
“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.”