The Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday handed over Certificates of Return to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, following their victory in the August 15 governorship poll.
The presentation was done in Osogbo by INEC’s National Supervising Commissioner for Osun, Ogun and Oyo states, Professor Kunle Ajayi.
Adeleke was declared winner of the election with 511,067 votes, ahead of APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji who polled 444,815 votes.
Speaking after receiving the certificate, Adeleke said the win belonged to the people of Osun, but noted that the celebration was mixed with pain. He pointed to reports of injuries, destroyed property, loss of livelihoods and deaths that occurred during the election period.
To support those affected, the governor announced two interventions. First, the Adeleke family’s Springtime Development Foundation will offer full scholarships up to university level for children and dependents of those who died. Second, the Osun State Government will set up a N500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to assist verified victims and their families.
Adeleke also called on other candidates in the race to join him in moving the state forward.
“The election is over. The campaign is over. The contest is over. Now is the time to govern, unite, heal and build,” he said.
