Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has pledged to heal divisions in the state and pursue an inclusive administration after the recent governorship election, promising to uphold equity and fairness in the next phase of his tenure.
Adeleke made the pledge in a state broadcast on Thursday to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State, as he acknowledged the pains, deaths and injuries arising from the recent electoral crisis.
The governor said the difficult circumstances surrounding the election had tested the state’s democratic values while commending residents for their commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
A release on his official X handle revealed all these.
“My people, as you have again conferred the leadership mandate on me under recent difficult circumstances, I promise to heal the wounds, unite the people and uphold equity and fairness,” Adeleke said.
“Our administration will be all inclusive and attentive to criticisms in our bid to strengthen state development.”
He said the experience of the past few months had caused significant disruption to the lives of residents, particularly families who lost loved ones.
“I recognise the pains and sacrifices of our people in the last few months,” Adeleke said.
“We all recognise the unfortunate disruptions in our lives due to the recent governorship election. In many fora, I empathize with many families who lost loved ones. Your sacrifices and those of many who were injured will not go in vain.”
Adeleke announced the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into the recent electoral violence, saying it would receive memoranda from victims and residents affected by the incidents.
“Our administration is setting up a Commission of Inquiry on election violence. The body will take memorandum from all victims and residents who are affected by recent electoral violence,” he said.
“This initiative is to identify the causes and remedies and proffer ways to stop such recurrence in the future.”
The governor also announced an election victim compensation fund headed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.
“Our administration has also set up an election victim compensation fund headed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun,” Adeleke said.
“This initiative is to cushion the effect of the recent needless violence.”
He urged residents not to engage in reprisal attacks.
“As we celebrate the anniversary of the creation of our dear state, I urge all residents to be law-abiding and avoid violence. We must not engage in reprisal attacks,” he said.
