Adeleke Extends Forgiveness to Rivals, Declares Osun Will Stay Illuminated

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday, announced his forgiveness towards all who had wronged him politically, extending an invitation to his former contenders to collaborate with his administration for the advancement of the state. This declaration was captured in a video disseminated by News Central on X.com, where Governor Adeleke addressed the public following the receipt of his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after his triumph in the August 15 governorship election.

"As the governor-elect and of course current governor, as I told you, I’m the governor of all. Whatever happened in the past, let it be bygone because I have the fear of God," Adeleke stated. He added, "All the people that offended me, I forgive them. You know, what else do I want? The good Lord has fought my battle, and we have overcome."

The governor affirmed that Osun State had triumphed over past challenges, asserting that his leadership had ushered in an era of 'light' and dispelled 'darkness' from the state. "Osun State has overcome. I brought the light to Osun State. And I drove darkness out of Osun State. Osun State will never see darkness again," he declared.

Adeleke further pledged that his government would maintain a trajectory of progress, assuring the populace that no entity would be able to reverse the state's positive momentum. "We will keep moving forward. Nobody will turn us around again," he emphasized.

He then appealed to his fellow contestants in the recent gubernatorial race to work alongside him for the greater good of Osun. "I’m seizing the opportunity that all my other contestants, they should please come over, let’s join hands together, and let’s move Osun State forward," Adeleke urged.

Explaining his call for unity, the governor underscored that the state's interests supersede those of any individual, and he took a moment to remember those who lost their lives during the election period. "Why I’m saying that, Osun State is bigger than anybody. And I’d like to seize the opportunity for those who lost their life during the election; may their soul rest in peace," he said.

Governor Adeleke also committed his family's support to the bereaved families of those who died during the election, explicitly clarifying that this assistance would not be drawn from government funds. "And I’m telling you, and of course I’m telling you that all those who have lost their lives, I’m promising, the Adeleke family is promising to take them, not government money now," the governor affirmed.

In related developments, Governor Adeleke had previously launched a N500 million fund and scholarships to aid victims of pre-election violence in Osun. A video also captured him celebrating, singing, and dancing upon receiving his INEC Certificate of Return. Separately, INEC has scheduled September 19 for bye-elections for the Bauchi State assembly.