Adeleke Receives Certificate of Return from INEC, Promises Scholarship for Children of Those Killed in Osun Election Violence
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo For his victory in last Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has been presented with a certificate of return by the National Commissioner,
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State received a Certificate of Return from the National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in South-west, Prof. Kunle Ajayi. The ceremony took place following Adeleke's victory in the recent governorship election in Osun State.
Addressing the audience, Adeleke expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life during the election, stating, "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." He highlighted that the Springtime Development Foundation, under his family's initiative, would provide full scholarships up to the university level for the children and dependents of those who perished during the election.
Adeleke emphasized that the certificate is not solely his, but a symbol of the trust and confidence renewed in him by the people of Osun State. The governor urged citizens to remember the victims of electoral violence, including Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass, Kolade Eluyera, and others, acknowledging their families' pain as their own.
He announced the establishment of a N500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund, overseen by a Verification and Relief Committee chaired by the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun. This fund aims to support verified victims and affected families, ensuring equitable distribution regardless of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender, or social status.
"The Adeleke family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, will provide full scholarships up to university level for the children and dependants of those who lost their lives," Adeleke stated. He concluded by emphasizing unity, healing, and building a better future for Osun State, stating, "My dear people of Osun State, I receive this Certificate of Return not as a trophy or a weapon against anyone, but as a renewed contract with you."
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