A TIME TO HEAL, UNITE AND BUILD
My Remarks at the Presentation of Certificate of Return
Protocol.
My dear people of Osun State,
Today is not merely about the presentation of a Certificate of Return. It is a moment of gratitude, reflection and appreciation to the people of Osun State who stood firm for democracy.
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. I am deeply humbled by the confidence you have renewed in me.
But even in victory, we must be sober in reflection. Citizens were injured, properties and livelihoods were destroyed and, most painfully, precious lives were lost.
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.
We remember Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass, Kolade Eluyera, and every other victim of electoral violence. 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.
The Adeleke family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, will provide full scholarships up to university level for the children and dependants of those who lost their lives.
The Osun State Government will also 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, Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun, will oversee the transparent identification of victims and equitable distribution of 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. In grief, there is no political party. In our common humanity, we are one people.
My dear people of Osun State, I receive this Certificate of Return not as a trophy or a weapon against anyone, but as a renewed contract with you.
The election is over. The campaign is over. The contest is over. Now is the time to govern, unite, heal and build.
To those who voted for me, I thank you. To those who voted for another candidate, I thank you for participating in our democracy. I remain Governor to all, and together we must place Osun State above politics.
We shall continue to advance infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and economic development, with 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.
Today, we are grateful for victory, but sober in remembrance. Tomorrow, we return to work.
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.
Thank you, and God bless you all.
Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke
Governor, Osun State
I congratulate my dear brother and friend, Governor Ademola Adeleke @AAdeleke_01, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State.
The people of Osun have spoken, and they have spoken clearly. They have had four years to judge the record of his stewardship, to weigh the promises against the performance, and they have asked him to continue. There can be no greater vote of confidence for a leader than the freely expressed verdict of the people he serves.
I also commend the good people of Osun State who came out to vote and, importantly, remained vigilant in defence of their votes.
At a time when there are legitimate concerns about the strength and credibility of our democratic institutions, every election in which the will of the people is freely expressed, faithfully counted and ultimately respected is an important victory for our democracy.
Governor Adeleke now begins a second term with the benefit, and indeed the responsibility, of a renewed mandate. I wish him well, and I trust that he will use the next four years to deepen the work already begun, justify the confidence of the people of Osun, and leave behind a stronger and more prosperous state.
Congratulations, my brother.
#OsunDecides2026
I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke, @AAdeleke_01, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State.
His victory demonstrates the choice of the people of Osun as expressed at the ballot box. I commend the people for their passion and peaceful participation. I wish Governor Adeleke continued success as he continues to serve them. -AA #osundecides2026
Imagine if Oyetola had poured half of the energy he has used on Osun State election In the last two years to focus on ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, he will be the best performing.
LIVE JUBILATION FROM THE ACCORD/IMOLE SITUATION ROOM
Congratulations to Governor Ademola Adeleke! 🎉🎉
The VICTORY IS SECURED! 🏆💪
Osun has spoken, and the people’s mandate stands strong.
#OsunDecides2026#Imole#Accord