Governor announces relief package and scholarships for families affected by electoral violence as he receives certificate of return

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday announced a ₦500 million fund for Osun election victims, alongside full university scholarships for children and dependants of people killed during electoral violence in the state.

Also read: Osun victory: Adeleke receives INEC certificate in Osogbo

Adeleke made the announcement in Osogbo while receiving his Certificate of Return following his re-election, using the occasion to call for healing, unity and a renewed focus on the development of Osun State.

The governor said the certificate represented more than a personal political victory, describing it as a renewed mandate entrusted to him by the people.

“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,” he said.

Adeleke expressed appreciation to residents for renewing their confidence in his administration, but struck a sombre note as he acknowledged the violence, injuries, destruction of property and deaths recorded during the electoral process.

“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 Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass and Kolade Eluyera, among others who lost their lives in the violence.

He said their political affiliations should not overshadow the human cost of their deaths.

“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.

Under the relief package, the Osun State Government will establish the ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to support verified victims and families affected by the violence.

A Verification and Relief Committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun, will oversee the identification of eligible beneficiaries and the distribution of relief.

Adeleke stressed that the intervention would be humanitarian rather than political, promising that eligible beneficiaries would not be excluded because of their 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.”

The Adeleke family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, will separately provide full scholarships up to university level for the children and dependants of those who died during the electoral violence.

The twin interventions represent one of the more significant gestures to emerge from the aftermath of the election, particularly as the governor sought to balance celebration of his victory with recognition of the human cost of the political contest.

Adeleke subsequently urged residents to put the election behind them and concentrate on 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 residents who supported other candidates that he remained governor for everyone and would not allow political differences to determine access to government.

“I remain Governor to all, and together we must place Osun State above politics,” Adeleke said.

He pledged to sustain his administration’s focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and economic development, while promising greater 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.”

The governor’s appeal for reconciliation comes after a closely contested election in which political tensions heightened across parts of the state.

His announcement of the relief fund and scholarship programme now places support for affected families alongside the broader challenge of restoring confidence and ensuring that political competition does not again translate into violence.

Adeleke ended his address with a message of comfort to families still mourning their loved ones.

Also read: Adeleke’s win issues stark warning APC is beatable

“May God comfort every family that has suffered loss, heal the injured, bless our people, and continue to bless the State of the Living Spring,” he said.