Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on residents to heal, unite and work together towards building a greater state following his re-election in the August 15 governorship poll, while also remembering victims of electoral violence and extending condolences to their families. Adeleke made the call in a message posted on his official X page on Friday, August 21, 2026, after he was re-elected as governor, thanking residents for trusting him with another mandate. He described the victory as a collective one and said he accepted the renewed mandate with humility and a deep sense of responsibility. "This victory belongs to all of us, and I accept this renewed mandate with humility and a deep sense of responsibility," Adeleke said. The governor also used the message to remember those who lost their lives in electoral violence before the election, extending his condolences to their families and loved ones. "As we celebrate, we also remember the victims of electoral violence before the election. My heartfelt condolences go to their families and loved ones. May Almighty God grant the departed eternal rest and comfort those they left behind," he said.
Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, secured 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who polled 444,815 votes. The governor won 19 of the state's 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won the remaining 11. Adeleke thanked traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, civil servants, pensioners, youths, women, artisans, traders, farmers and other residents who supported his administration and participated in the election. He said the outcome reflected the people's decision to continue with his administration and urged residents to put the divisions of the election behind them and focus on the future of the state. "Together, let us heal, unite and continue building a greater Osun," the governor added.
The call for unity comes against the backdrop of significant election-related violence that marred the electoral process. An election observer organisation, Kimpact Development Initiative, recorded 17 election-related violence incidents across 10 local government areas during the August 15 governorship election, with more than 44 victims recorded. The incidents, which included gunshots, physical assaults, intimidation and harassment, were documented through its Election Day Data Room. Between October 2025 and August 2026, KDI recorded 81 election-related violence incidents resulting in 15 fatalities across the state. The organisation also reported cases of post-election violence and property destruction in Ilesa, Iperindo, Atakumosa East, Modakeke and Ikire. KDI called on security and law enforcement authorities to promptly investigate the reported incidents, identify perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable.
In a significant move to address the fallout from the violence, Adeleke announced the establishment of a N500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to support verified victims and affected families. The governor made the announcement on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, when he received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission. Adeleke identified some of the electoral violence victims as Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass and Kolade Eluyera, and said the Adeleke family would provide scholarships for their children through the Springtime Development Foundation. "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," Adeleke said. He emphasised that the endowment fund is not a political intervention but a humanitarian responsibility, adding, "No eligible victim will be excluded because of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status".
The governor also disclosed that a verification and relief committee, to be chaired by Adewale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, would oversee the transparent identification of victims and equitable distribution of support. Adeleke expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, stating, "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". He added that he received the Certificate of Return not as a trophy or a weapon against anyone, but as a renewed contract with the people. "The election is over. The campaign is over. The contest is over. Now is the time to govern, unite, heal and build," he said. Adeleke also called for sober reflection over the violence recorded during the election, which he said resulted in injuries, destruction of property and loss of lives.
The governor's call for healing and unity has been echoed by President Bola Tinubu, who hosted Adeleke at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Thursday, August 20, 2026, and urged him to demonstrate magnanimity in victory and promote unity, peace and stability. Adeleke will be sworn in for his second term on November 27, 2026. The police have arrested 295 persons for various electoral offences during the poll, and KDI has urged the Nigeria Police Force to ensure their prompt prosecution. As the dust settles on a contentious election, Adeleke's call for unity and his establishment of a victims' fund represent a significant step towards healing the wounds of a deeply divided electorate. However, the success of these efforts will depend on the government's ability to deliver on its promises of inclusive governance, accountability and tangible development for all residents of Osun State.
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