Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced the establishment of a ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to provide relief and support for individuals and families affected by violence during the recently concluded governorship election in the state.
Adeleke made the announcement on Wednesday during the presentation of his Certificate of Return, where he called on residents to put the political contest behind them and focus on healing, unity and the development of Osun State.
The governor described the certificate as more than a personal achievement, saying it represented a renewed mandate from the people of the state.
“This certificate does not belong to Ademola Adeleke alone. It belongs to the people of Osun State: our workers, market men and women, youths, traditional and religious leaders, and every citizen who participated in this democratic process,” he said.
While expressing appreciation to the electorate for renewing their confidence in his administration, Adeleke acknowledged the violence, injuries, destruction of property and deaths recorded during the electoral process.
He said no political ambition was worth the life of any citizen.
“It is deeply painful that any family should have to bury a loved one because of politics. No election, political office or ambition is worth the life of a single citizen,” Adeleke stated.
The governor specifically paid tribute to victims including Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass and Kolade Eluyera, stressing that their political affiliations should not determine the value attached to their lives.
According to him, the victims were citizens of Osun State before being members or supporters of any political party.
“Regardless of political affiliation, they were first our brothers, sisters and fellow citizens. To their families, your pain is our pain, and your loved ones will never be reduced to mere statistics,” he said.
Scholarships for victims’ children
As part of efforts to support affected families, Adeleke also announced that his family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, would provide full scholarships up to university level for the children and dependants of those who lost their lives during the electoral violence.
The initiative, he said, was intended to ensure that the children and dependants of the victims would not have their educational opportunities destroyed because of the loss of their loved ones.
The state government’s ₦500 million endowment fund will similarly provide assistance to verified victims and families affected by the violence.
A Verification and Relief Committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun, will oversee the identification of eligible beneficiaries and the distribution of relief.
Adeleke emphasised that the intervention would be strictly humanitarian and would not be influenced by political considerations.
“No eligible victim will be excluded because of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status,” he said.
He added: “In grief, there is no political party. In our common humanity, we are one people.”
Adeleke calls for unity
The governor urged political actors and residents across the state to move beyond the election and work together to rebuild Osun.
He said the conclusion of the electoral contest should mark the beginning of a new phase focused on governance rather than political rivalry.
“The election is over. The campaign is over. The contest is over. Now is the time to govern, unite, heal and build,” Adeleke said.
He assured residents who supported other candidates that he remained governor for everyone, regardless of their political choices.
“I remain Governor to all, and together we must place Osun State above politics,” he added.
Adeleke also pledged to sustain his administration’s focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and economic development, while strengthening accountability, transparency and inclusion.
“You have given me another opportunity to serve, and I accept this responsibility with humility. I will work harder. I will listen more. I will do more,” he said.
The governor concluded by calling for healing and comfort for families who lost loved ones, saying the state must learn from the painful events surrounding the election and work towards a more peaceful political environment.
“Today, we are grateful for victory, but sober in remembrance. Tomorrow, we return to work.”
He prayed for the affected families, the injured and the people of Osun State, asking God to comfort those who suffered losses and continue to bless the State of the Living Spring.
