By Jelili Gbadamosi
Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed to the people of Osun State to embrace peace, forgiveness and unity following his victory in the 2026 governorship election.
Adeleke made the call in a statement after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him the winner of the election, securing another four-year term in office.
The governor expressed gratitude to God and the people of the state for reposing confidence in him to serve for another term, saying the victory belonged to the electorate.
He commended Osun residents for their resilience, courage and commitment to democracy, assuring them that he would not disappoint them.
“As we turn the page on the election, I appeal to all Osun people to embrace peace, forgiveness and unity. There is no victor, no vanquished. I extend the olive branch to all my co-contestants. I am the Governor of all,” Adeleke said.
The governor also paid tribute to victims of pre-election violence, observing a minute of silence in their honour and praying for the repose of their souls.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to lead efforts toward healing and reconciliation across communities affected by the violence.
Adeleke pledged to consolidate the achievements of his administration, address its shortcomings and accelerate development across the state.
According to him, his administration will widen the scope of good governance and continue efforts to transform Osun from a civil service-oriented state into an industrial state and preferred investment destination.
“Osun is on the march again. We will accelerate development, widen the net of good governance and continue our journey to transform Osun from a civil service state into an industrial state and a preferred investment destination,” he said.
The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his support for a free and fair election.
He further thanked lovers of democracy in Nigeria and abroad, as well as the media, for their role in supporting the democratic process.
