Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced a series of measures to support families affected by electoral violence before and during the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Adeleke made the announcement on Wednesday during a celebration rally organised by the Osun labour movement, shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governor said children and dependants of people who lost their lives in connection with the electoral process would receive automatic scholarships through university level.
He said the initiative would be supported by the Adeleke family through the Springtime Development Foundation.
₦500m Endowment Fund Announced
Adeleke also announced the creation of a ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund by the Osun State Government.
According to the governor, the fund will provide relief and assistance to verified victims and families whose lives were affected by election-related violence.
He said a Verification and Relief Committee, headed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, would be responsible for identifying victims, assessing their needs and ensuring that assistance is distributed fairly.
Adeleke stressed that the initiative would not be politically motivated.
He said eligible beneficiaries would not be discriminated against based on political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status.
Adeleke Says He Has Forgiven Political Opponents
Speaking after receiving his Certificate of Return, Adeleke described the document as a mandate belonging to the people of Osun rather than to him personally.
The governor thanked residents, workers, youths, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other supporters for participating in the electoral process.
He also said he had forgiven those who may have offended him during the election campaign, adding that he held no grudges against his political opponents.
“God has fought my battles for me,” Adeleke said, while reflecting on his re-election and the political contest that preceded it.
Governor Remembers Election Violence Victims
Adeleke later visited the Ataoja Palace in Osogbo, where he expressed sympathy with families affected by the violence associated with the election.
He specifically remembered victims including Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass and Kolade Eluyera, along with others who were killed or suffered injuries and losses.
The governor assured affected families that their suffering would not be forgotten.
Adeleke Praises INEC
Adeleke also commended INEC for what he described as its professional handling of the election and thanked security agencies for their role in maintaining order.
He said more could have been done by the police, but acknowledged that election day itself passed without major violence.
INEC National Commissioner for the Osun election, Kunle Ajayi, also praised voters for turning out despite concerns over electoral violence.
Adeleke Secures Second Term
INEC declared Adeleke the winner of the August 15 governorship election after he secured 511,067 votes.
His closest challenger, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, received 444,815 votes, while African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam polled 17,180 votes.
Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in the remaining 11.
The result gives Adeleke another four-year term as governor of Osun State, with the governor now pledging to focus on healing divisions and supporting families affected by the electoral process.
