Osun State Governor Ademola Nurudeen-Jackson Adeleke called for healing, unity and reconciliation following his re-election in the August 15 governorship election, urging residents to move beyond political divisions and work together towards a stronger future.

Adeleke, who secured a second term on the platform of the Accord Party, expressed gratitude to voters and described the renewed mandate as a collective achievement.

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“My dear people of Osun State, I am deeply humbled and grateful for the confidence you have reposed in me by re-electing me as your Governor,” Adeleke said in a statement shared on Friday.

The governor thanked traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, civil servants, pensioners, youths, women, artisans, traders, farmers and other residents who participated in the election and supported his administration.

Adeleke’s appeal comes after a politically charged election season that was overshadowed by reports of violence before the poll.

The governor had previously called for calm and urged residents to avoid retaliation after the election, while asking traditional and community leaders to support peace-building efforts.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke the winner after he polled 511,067 votes, defeating All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who received 444,815 votes. African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam finished third with 17,180 votes.

Adeleke won in 19 of Osun’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured nine. The result formally returned Adeleke to office for another term.

Despite the victory, Adeleke used his latest message to acknowledge those who suffered during the electoral process.

“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.

The governor had already taken steps towards supporting victims and their families.

On August 19, while receiving his Certificate of Return, Adeleke announced a ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund designed to provide relief to verified victims and families affected by the violence.

He also announced scholarships for children and dependants of people who lost their lives.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to address the human cost of the election.

Adeleke’s campaign council has also begun documenting residents affected by violence, including people who suffered injuries, families who lost relatives and those whose property was damaged.

Adeleke’s renewed call for reconciliation also echoes appeals from other prominent figures following the election.

President Bola Tinubu congratulated the governor and urged him to use his fresh mandate to unite Osun residents and accelerate the state’s socio-economic development regardless of how they voted.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, similarly urged Adeleke to treat the end of the election as the beginning of a new chapter, with reconciliation and stronger development among the priorities of his second term.

For Adeleke, the emphasis now is on moving beyond the contest itself.

“This victory belongs to all of us, and I accept this renewed mandate with humility and a deep sense of responsibility,” he said.

The governor has previously promised to consolidate areas of his administration’s performance while correcting shortcomings during his second term.

Following his declaration as winner, Adeleke said Osun would witness further development and a wider reach of good governance.

His latest message places reconciliation at the centre of that agenda, as the state begins the transition from a fiercely contested election to another period of governance.

“Together, let us heal, unite and continue building a greater Osun,” Adeleke said.

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The appeal signals a softer tone after months of political confrontation and puts the focus on restoring trust, supporting affected families and ensuring that the renewed mandate translates into tangible progress for residents across Osun.