Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appealed to residents of the state to embrace peace and unity following the conclusion of the governorship election, saying it is time to heal the wounds inflicted by pre-election violence.
Adeleke, who spoke to journalists after being declared winner of Saturday’s governorship election, urged his supporters and opponents to avoid post-election attacks and refrain from reviving old grievances, stressing the need for forgiveness and restoration of communal harmony across the state.
The governor also called on community leaders and traditional institutions to intensify peace-building efforts in their respective communities, noting that the political contest had ended with his victory.
While observing a minute’s silence in honour of victims of pre-election violence, Adeleke said, “The issues are settled by the grace of God and the people.”
The governor dedicated his victory to God and the people of Osun State, commending residents for their resilience, strong will and unwavering commitment to democracy.
He promised that his second term would build on his administration’s achievements while addressing areas where his government had fallen short.
“As you have trusted me with a second term in office, I will reinforce my strong points and correct my errors. Osun will witness further accelerated development and growth under my renewed five-point agenda,” Adeleke assured.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his strong support for a free and fair election.
“Mr President is a son of Osun State, and I hereby reaffirm my earlier endorsement of him for a second term in the 2027 presidential election,” he said.
Adeleke expressed appreciation to supporters of democracy in Nigeria and abroad, saying the support he received had strengthened his faith in democratic governance.
“My faith in democracy is deepened,” he said.
He also commended the media for its role in covering the election and promoting democratic values.
“Most importantly, I thank the media for standing by us. The constant coverage in support of democracy emboldened us. We are grateful,” the governor said.
Declaring that Osun was “on the march again,” Adeleke pledged to expand development and widen the scope of good governance across the state.
He extended an olive branch to his fellow contestants, declaring that the election should not create permanent divisions among the people.
“In this race, there is no victor, no vanquished. I extend an olive branch to my co-contestants. I am the governor of all Osun people,” he said.
Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s vision of transforming Osun from a predominantly civil service state into an industrial state and investment destination.
“My vision remains taking Osun from a civil service state to an industrial state and an investment destination,” he added.
The statement was signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the state governor.
