By Gloria Drealomalicha
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced a ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to provide relief for victims and families affected by violence during the recently concluded governorship election in the state.
Adeleke announced the initiative on Wednesday during the presentation of his Certificate of Return, where he called on residents to put political differences aside and focus on healing, unity and the development of Osun.
The governor described the certificate not as a personal achievement but as 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,” he said, acknowledging workers, traders, youths, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other residents who took part in the electoral process.
While expressing appreciation to the electorate for renewing their confidence in his administration, Adeleke also acknowledged the human cost of the election.
“Citizens were injured, properties and livelihoods were destroyed and, most painfully, precious lives were lost,” he said.
“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.”
The governor specifically remembered victims including Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass and Kolade Eluyera, stressing that their political affiliations should not overshadow the value of their lives.
“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,” Adeleke said.
He further disclosed that the Adeleke family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, would offer full scholarships up to university level to the children and dependants of those who died in the violence.
The ₦500 million government-backed fund, according to the governor, will cater for verified victims and affected families.
A Verification and Relief Committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Olumide Egbedun, will oversee the identification of victims and the distribution of assistance.
Adeleke said the intervention would be strictly humanitarian and not influenced by political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status.
“This is not a political intervention. It is a humanitarian responsibility. No eligible victim will be excluded because of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status,” he said.
“In grief, there is no political party. In our common humanity, we are one people.”
Calling for reconciliation after the election, Adeleke urged residents to move beyond the campaign and begin the work of rebuilding the state.
“The election is over. The campaign is over. The contest is over. Now is the time to govern, unite, heal and build,” he said.
The governor assured those who supported other candidates that he remained governor for all residents, regardless of their political choices.
“I remain Governor to all, and together we must place Osun State above politics,” he said.
Adeleke also pledged to sustain his administration’s focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and economic development, with greater emphasis on accountability, inclusion and transparency.
“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.
“Today, we are grateful for victory, but sober in remembrance. Tomorrow, we return to work.”
He concluded by offering prayers for families who lost loved ones and those injured during the electoral violence, asking God to comfort the bereaved, heal the injured and continue to bless Osun State.
Leave a Reply