Adeleke Seeks Post-Election Peace, Promises More Development in Osun
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on residents of the state to embrace peace and unity following the conclusion of the governorship election, assuring that his administration would consolidate its achievements and accelerate development across the state.
Adeleke made the call while addressing journalists after his victory in Saturday’s governorship election, urging political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid attacks, retaliation and acts capable of further deepening the wounds created during the electioneering period.
The governor appealed to the people of Osun to forgive one another and restore communal harmony, particularly after weeks of violence and gun attacks reported in parts of the state.
He also urged community leaders and traditional rulers to intensify efforts towards peace-building in their respective communities.
The governor observed a minute of silence in honour of victims of the pre-election violence, saying the issues surrounding the election had been settled by the grace of God and the people.
Adeleke, who dedicated his victory to God and the people of Osun State, commended the people for their resilience, determination and commitment to democracy.
He promised to reciprocate the confidence reposed in him by the electorate by consolidating his administration’s achievements and addressing areas where it had fallen short.
“As you have trusted me with 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 said.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for what he described as a free and fair election in the state.
“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 lovers of democracy in Nigeria and abroad for their support throughout the electoral process, saying the experience had further strengthened his faith in democracy.
“Most importantly, I thank the media for standing by us. The constant coverage in support of democracy emboldened us. We are grateful. Osun State is on the march again. We shall expand development and widen the net of good governance,” he said.
The governor also extended an olive branch to his fellow contestants, stressing that the election should not create permanent divisions among the people of the state.
“In this race, there is no victor, no vanquished. I extend olive branch to my co-contestants. I am the governor of all Osun people,” Adeleke declared.
He reiterated his administration’s vision of transforming Osun from a civil service-dependent state into an industrial hub and an attractive destination for investors.
“My vision remains taking Osun from a civil service state to an industrial state and an investment destination,” the governor said.