Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has pledged to heal the wounds of recent political violence, promote equity and fairness, and pursue a more inclusive development agenda as the state commemorates the 35th anniversary of its creation.

Adeleke made the commitment in a statewide broadcast on Thursday, August 27, marking the anniversary of the creation of Osun State from the old Oyo State in 1991. Osun officially became a state on August 27, 1991, with Osogbo as its capital, following years of agitation by traditional rulers, community leaders and other founding figures for greater political autonomy.

Reflecting on the state’s journey over the past 35 years, the governor commended the people of Osun for what he described as their unwavering commitment and passion for the growth and development of the state. He, however, acknowledged the pains, sacrifices and disruptions experienced by residents in the aftermath of the recent governorship election.

Adeleke particularly expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones and residents who sustained injuries during the period, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be in vain. He praised the people for choosing democracy and the rule of law despite what he described as severe provocations and violence.

According to the governor, the recent election represented one of the toughest tests of Osun’s democratic values since the state’s creation. He commended residents for turning out to exercise their franchise and for defending their votes, describing their conduct as a demonstration of courage, patriotism and commitment to democratic principles. His comments come after the August 15 governorship election, which has dominated political discourse in the state in recent weeks.

The governor said the experience had reinforced Osun’s reputation as a state with a strong democratic culture, adding that the people had demonstrated the values of integrity, resilience and courage associated with the Yoruba heritage and the state’s identity as the “cradle of the Yoruba race.”

With the anniversary coming shortly after his re-election, Adeleke pledged to use his renewed mandate to promote reconciliation and inclusive governance.

“I promise to heal the wounds, unite the people and uphold equity and fairness,” the governor said, assuring residents that his administration would remain inclusive and receptive to constructive criticism.

He further outlined a broad development agenda focused on consolidating the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, the digital economy, sports, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare. He said greater attention would also be given to youths, women and students, while industrialisation, workers’ welfare, rural development, ease of doing business, wealth creation and poverty reduction would remain priorities.

Adeleke also pledged to strengthen the implementation of his administration’s renewed five-point agenda within the framework of due process, procurement regulations and established project implementation standards. He said the government would expand the local-content model and deepen financial inclusion through cooperative-sector financing.

The governor’s renewed emphasis on digital development and infrastructure builds on priorities highlighted in his previous anniversary addresses, while the state government’s official profile identifies technology, tourism and the state’s rich cultural heritage as significant areas of economic potential.

Addressing the aftermath of the recent electoral violence, Adeleke announced plans for a Commission of Inquiry on Election Violence. The commission, he said, would receive memoranda from victims and residents affected by the violence, investigate its causes and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.

He also reaffirmed the establishment of an Election Victim Compensation Fund, headed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, to provide relief to those affected. The state government had earlier constituted a 10-member committee to verify claims and oversee the disbursement of a N500 million Election Violence Victims Relief Endowment Fund.

The governor urged residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to the unity of the state, warning against reprisal attacks and further violence.

As Osun reflects on 35 years of statehood, Adeleke called for collective responsibility in building a stronger and more prosperous future, assuring residents that his administration would work harder to deliver good governance and fulfil the mandate entrusted to it.

Osun State was created after decades of agitation for autonomy, a struggle officially realised in 1991 under the military administration of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. The state has since developed into an important cultural, political and economic centre in southwestern Nigeria, with Ile-Ife’s historic significance and Osogbo’s role as the administrative capital forming important parts of its identity.

As the State of the Living Spring marks its 35th anniversary, the governor’s message places reconciliation, democratic stability and inclusive development at the centre of Osun’s next chapter.

“Happy Anniversary celebrations. Long live Osun State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Adeleke concluded.

Isaac Zaza
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