Adeleke receives Certificate of Return, promises support for election victims

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday presented the Certificate of Return to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, following his re-election in the August 15 governorship election.

The certificate was presented to Adeleke and his deputy governor-elect, Prince Kola Adewusi, by the INEC National Supervising Commissioner for Osun, Ogun and Oyo states, Professor Kunle Ajayi.

Adeleke was declared the winner of the Saturday, August 15 poll, securing 511,067 votes to defeat Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who polled 444,815 votes.

Speaking after receiving the certificate, Adeleke described the occasion as a moment of gratitude and reflection, saying the certificate belonged not only to him but also to the people of Osun State who participated in the democratic process.

The governor, however, said the victory must be accompanied by sober reflection, noting that citizens were injured, properties and livelihoods were destroyed, while lives were lost during the electoral process.

Adeleke announced that 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 the establishment of a N500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund by the Osun State Government to support verified victims and affected families.

Adeleke called on all the governorship contestants to come together and work with him to move the state forward, adding, “The election is over. The campaign is over. The contest is over. Now is the time to govern, unite, heal and build”.