Emmanuel Obi
Governor Ademola Adeleke has received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Adeleke and his deputy, Kola Adewusi, received their certificates at the INEC State Headquarters in Osogbo.
The certificates were presented by the National Commissioner supervising Osun State, Professor Yinka Ajayi, formally affirming them as governor-elect and deputy governor-elect.
In a statement after receiving the certificate, Adeleke called for healing and unity in Osun State, saying the election should now give way to governance.
“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 expressed concern over the deaths, injuries and destruction of property recorded during the electoral process, saying no political contest was worth the loss of a citizen’s life.
“No election, political office or ambition is worth the life of a single citizen,” he said.
He remembered victims including Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass and Kolade Eluyera, and expressed sympathy with their families.
The governor said the Adeleke family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, would provide full scholarships up to university level for the children and dependants of those who lost their lives.
He also announced that the Osun State Government would establish a ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to support verified victims and affected families.
A verification and relief committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Olumide Egbedun, will oversee the identification of victims and distribution of the support.
“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,” Adeleke said.
The governor said he would govern for all residents of the state, including those who voted for other candidates.
“I remain Governor to all, and together we must place Osun State above politics,” he said.
Adeleke also pledged to continue work in infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and economic development, with emphasis on accountability, inclusion and transparency.
