Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has extended an olive branch to political opponents following his re-election victory, declaring that he has forgiven past grievances and inviting former rivals to work alongside his administration.
The governor made the remarks after collecting his official paperwork following the conclusion of the contest. Delivering an address featured in a video broadcast by News Central, Adeleke expressed gratitude for the outcome and framed his tenure as a period that permanently dispelled setback in favour of progress.
While extending a direct call for cross-party collaboration, Adeleke stressed that the welfare of Osun State transcends political rivalries. He reassured citizens that his administration would maintain its developmental momentum and urged fellow contestants to join forces with his government.
“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. “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.”
He added: “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.”
Reiterating his plea for unity, the governor urged opponents to prioritize the state’s collective growth: “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.”
Looking ahead, he affirmed: “We will keep moving forward. Nobody will turn us around again.”
Paying respect to those who lost their lives during the election cycle, Adeleke expressed condolences to the affected families. He pledged personal financial assistance from the Adeleke family to support the bereaved households, making it clear that no public funds would be utilised.
“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,” the governor remarked, adding: “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.”