Osun at 35: Adeleke Vows to Heal State, Announces Compensation Fund for Election Violence Victims

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has promised to heal the wounds caused by the recent governorship election and ensure an inclusive administration, following the violence and loss of lives recorded during the electoral process.

Adeleke made the pledge in a state broadcast on Thursday to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State, saying the recent election had subjected the people to one of the toughest tests of their democratic values.

The governor expressed appreciation to residents for their resilience and commitment to democracy, particularly their decision to exercise their voting rights despite what he described as a reign of terror during the election.

He said, “Amidst reign of terror, you rejected the guns and embraced the ballot. As true sons and daughters of the source, you not only voted but you defended your votes even at personal risk to your lives.”

Adeleke also commiserated with families who lost loved ones and sympathised with those injured during the recent electoral violence.

He said the sacrifices made by residents would not be allowed to go in vain, stressing that the state government remained committed to upholding democracy, the rule of law and good governance.

According to him, the conduct of Osun residents during the election had demonstrated their courage and patriotism, adding that the state had emerged as “a shining light for democratic practice” nationally.

The governor said the experience had also reinforced the need for good governance, equity and respect for the rule of law.

Adeleke, who said residents had again entrusted his administration with the leadership mandate under difficult circumstances, pledged to unite the people and run an inclusive government.

“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,” he said.

He added that his administration would remain open to criticisms and would build on its programmes in infrastructure, digital economy, sports development, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare.

The governor also promised increased attention to youths, women and students, as well as industrialisation, workers’ welfare, rural development, ease of doing business, wealth creation and poverty reduction.

Adeleke said his administration would continue implementing its renewed five-point agenda in line with due process, procurement regulations and best practices in project execution.

He further disclosed plans to strengthen local content initiatives and expand financial inclusion through cooperative-sector financing.

On the recent violence, the governor urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against reprisal attacks.

He announced that the state government would establish a Commission of Inquiry on election violence to receive memoranda from victims and residents affected by the incidents.

According to Adeleke, the commission would investigate the causes of the violence, recommend remedies and propose measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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

The governor said the fund was established to cushion the effects of the violence on victims and affected residents.

Despite the challenges facing the state, Adeleke said there were several achievements to celebrate after 35 years of Osun’s creation.

He called for continued cooperation from residents, promising to work harder to deliver good governance and meet the expectations of the people.

“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,” he said.

He concluded by wishing residents a happy anniversary and reaffirming his commitment to the development of Osun State and Nigeria.