Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has described the recently concluded governorship election as the most challenging test of the state’s democratic identity since its creation 35 years ago.
Adeleke made the remarks in a statewide broadcast commemorating the 35th anniversary of Osun State, where he commended residents for their conduct during the election despite the violence and tensions recorded in parts of the state.
The governor said the election demonstrated that Osun residents remained committed to democratic principles, describing them as people of courage, integrity and strong democratic values.
“Nationally, my people have emerged as a shining light for democratic practice,” Adeleke said.
He noted that residents came out in large numbers to exercise their constitutional right to vote despite what he described as a period of terror and intimidation.
According to him, many voters went beyond casting their ballots by standing up to defend their votes, even when doing so placed their lives at risk.
“As true sons and daughters of the Source, you not only voted but you defended your votes even at personal risk to your lives,” he said.
Adeleke also acknowledged the deaths and injuries recorded during the election period, expressing sympathy with families who lost loved ones and those affected by the violence.
“I recognise the pains and sacrifices of our people in the last few months. The sacrifices of those killed or injured will not go in vain,” he added.
The governor pledged to use the remainder of his administration to promote reconciliation, unity, fairness and equal treatment across the state.
As part of efforts to address the violence, Adeleke announced plans to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the election-related violence. The commission, he said, would allow victims and affected residents to submit memoranda detailing their experiences.
He also announced the creation of an election victim compensation fund, which will be headed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.
The governor promised that his administration would continue pursuing projects and policies in infrastructure, digital development, sports, agriculture, education and healthcare, while maintaining its focus on young people, women and students.
He urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding and warned against retaliatory attacks, stressing that his administration would continue implementing its five-point agenda focused on wealth creation, poverty reduction, rural development, industrialisation and improving the ease of doing business.
Adeleke said that despite the challenges confronting the state, there was still much to celebrate on its 35th anniversary and appealed to residents to continue supporting his administration in its efforts to provide effective governance.
