On Wednesday, 19 August, 2026, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and announced plans to establish a N500 million election violence victims endowment fund, reports thegazellenews.com
Thegazellenews.com reports that Adeleke was declared winner of the governorship election by the State Returning Officer of INEC, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, on Sunday, 16 August, 2026.
Ogunwola announced that Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat the his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress candidate, who scored 444,815 votes.
The certificate was presented to him by INEC National Commissioner representing the South-West, Prof Kunle Ajayi, presented the certificate to Adeleke at an event attended by political associates of the Governor and members of his cabinet.
Elated Adeleke, speaking during the event lauded the roles played by different segments of the state in his victory at the poll.
“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, ” Adeleke said
The Governor addressing the issue those injured and killed in the build-up to the election, announced a verification and relief committee, to be chaired by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, would administer the fund and oversee the transparent identification of victims and equitable distribution of support.
“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 Governor added, just as he also disclosed that his 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.
“The Osun State Government will also establish a N500 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,” the Governor said.
