Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has commended the people of the state for their “tenacious belief” in democracy and the rule of law, saying they rejected guns and embraced the ballot despite the violence that surrounded the recent governorship election.
Adeleke stated this in a state broadcast on Thursday to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State.
The governor said residents had, for more than two years, followed his appeal not to take the law into their own hands, even in the face of what he described as severe provocation and violence.
“My people, you demonstrated tenacious belief in democracy and the rule of law. For over two years now, you complied with my admonition not to take laws into your own hands. Even in the face of the worst form of provocations, you endured the gruesome unleashing of violence without fighting back,” he said.
Adeleke Commends Osun Residents
The governor expressed gratitude to residents for their commitment and passion towards the growth and development of the state.
He acknowledged the pain and sacrifices recorded in the months surrounding the governorship election, including deaths and injuries.
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“It is with deep sense of gratitude and appreciation that I address you on this occasion of the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear state. When I look back and review the past and recent developments, I cannot but applaud the commitment and unrivalled passion of our people for the growth and development of Osun State,” Adeleke 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 empathize with many families who lost loved ones. Your sacrifices and those of many who were injured will not go in vain,” he added.
Adeleke: You Rejected the Guns and Embraced the Ballot
Adeleke said the conduct of Osun voters during the election demonstrated their courage and commitment to democratic values.
He said residents trooped out to vote despite the security challenges and also defended their votes at personal risk.
“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,” the governor 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,” he added.
The governor described the recent election as the toughest test of the character of Osun people since the creation of the state.
“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. Nationally, my people have emerged as a shining light for democratic practice.”
‘Founding Fathers Must Be Proud’
Adeleke said the people’s resistance to violence and commitment to democracy had honoured the founding fathers of the state.
“Our founding fathers must be proud of the accomplishments of the state especially at this point in time. By standing for democracy through pains and hardship, our people paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of Osun State, alive and in eternal transition,” he said.
He added: “Our recent experience as a state is not only a defence of democracy but of good governance and rule of law.”
Adeleke Promises to Heal Political Wounds
The governor, who said the people had again given his administration the leadership mandate under difficult circumstances, promised to heal the wounds arising from the recent political crisis.
“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.
Adeleke promised an inclusive administration that would listen to criticism and build on its development programmes.
“Our administration will be all inclusive and attentive to criticisms in our bid to strengthen state development,” he said.
He listed infrastructure, digital economy, sports development, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare expansion among areas where his administration would consolidate its achievements.
“The youth, women and students will continue to receive special attention. We will expand industrialisation within the scope of workers’ welfare.
“Our state will witness particular attention to rural integrated development alongside a renewed focus on ease of doing business. We will focus more on creating wealth and deepening anti-poverty initiatives,” he added.
Government to Continue Five-Point Agenda
Adeleke said the administration would continue implementing its renewed five-point agenda while adhering to due process and procurement regulations.
“We will continue to implement our renewed five point agenda within the compass of due process, procurement regulations and project implementation best practices.
“We will further refine the adoption of the local content model while expanding financial inclusion through cooperative sector financing,” he said.
Commission of Inquiry on Election Violence
The governor announced plans to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the recent electoral violence.
“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.
“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,” Adeleke said.
He explained that the commission would investigate the causes of the violence and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
“This initiative is to identify the causes and remedies and proffer ways to stop such recurrence in the future,” he said.
Election Victim Compensation Fund
Adeleke also announced the establishment of an election victim compensation fund to support people affected by the violence.
“Our administration has also set up an election victim compensation fund headed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.
“This initiative is to cushion the effect of the recent needless violence,” he said
‘We Have a Lot to Be Proud Of’
The governor called for continued cooperation from residents as his administration works to deliver 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,” Adeleke said.
“I will work harder never to disappoint you, the great people of Osun State,” he stressed
“Happy Anniversary celebrations.
“Long live Osun State.
“Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” He concludes the broadcast.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.