As Osun State commemorates its 35th anniversary, Governor Ademola Adeleke has made a heartfelt commitment to heal the divisions within the state and foster an inclusive administration following the recent governorship election. In a state broadcast, he acknowledged the turmoil and violence that marred the electoral process, which he described as a significant test of the state’s democratic values.

Adeleke expressed his gratitude to the residents for their resilience and commitment to democracy, despite the challenges faced during the election. "My people, as you have again conferred the leadership mandate on me under recent difficult circumstances, I promise to heal the wounds, unite the people and uphold equity and fairness," he stated. He recognized the emotional toll on families affected by the violence, emphasizing that the sacrifices made by the community would not be forgotten.

In response to the electoral crisis, the governor announced the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry aimed at investigating the recent violence. This commission will accept memoranda from victims and residents impacted by the incidents, with the goal of identifying the root causes and preventing future occurrences. Additionally, Adeleke revealed the creation of an election victim compensation fund, which will be overseen by Adewale Egbedun, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly.

Adeleke urged the citizens to refrain from engaging in any form of reprisal attacks, calling for lawfulness and peace as the state celebrates its anniversary. He praised the electorate for their bravery, stating, "On the day of election, you trooped out en masse to exercise your voting rights. You did so with candour and fearlessness. Amidst reign of terror, you rejected the guns and embraced the ballot."

Reflecting on the recent elections, Adeleke described them as the most challenging test of Osun's identity since its creation. He asserted that the citizens had demonstrated their commitment to democracy and good governance, stating, "Our recent experience as a state is not only a defence of democracy but of good governance and rule of law."

Looking ahead, Adeleke outlined plans to build upon his administration’s achievements across various sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the digital economy. He reaffirmed his dedication to prioritizing youth, women, and students, as well as enhancing industrialization and workers’ welfare.

As Osun State marks this significant milestone, Adeleke called for continued cooperation from the residents to ensure good governance and development. He expressed his determination to work harder and not disappoint the people of Osun, stating, "On this anniversary day, we have a lot to be proud of despite our challenges. I seek your continued cooperation to further deliver good governance."