Adeleke Forgives Rivals After Election Victory, Calls for Unity in Osun

Fresh from securing another term, Governor Ademola Adeleke has extended an unexpected olive branch to those who opposed him.

(Governor Ademola Adeleke receives Certificate of Return from INEC. Photo Credit: Punch News)

Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State, said on Wednesday that he has forgiven everyone who has wronged him and urged his erstwhile rivals to work with his government to advance the state.

This was revealed in a video posted online, in which Adeleke talked after winning the governorship race on August 15 and obtaining his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

As I mentioned earlier, I am the governor of all as the governor-elect and, of course, the existing governor. I'm afraid of God, so whatever occurred in the past, let it go.

"I forgive everyone who has offended me." What else would I want, you know? Adeleke declared, "The good Lord fought my battle, and we have triumphed."

The governor declared that Osun State had triumphed and added that his administration had dispelled darkness and brought light to the state.

"Osun State has triumphed." I introduced Osun State to the light. And I pushed Osun State's gloom out. He declared that darkness would never return to Osun State.

Adeleke further reassured the state's citizens that his administration would keep moving forward and that no one would be able to turn the state around.

"We will continue to advance. He declared, "No one will turn us around again."

The governor also appealed to his fellow contestants in the governorship election to work with him in the interest of the state.

“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 said.

The governor gave an explanation for his appeal, saying that the state was more than any one person while also paying tribute to those who died during the election.

"Osun State is bigger than anyone, which is why I'm saying that. And I want to take advantage of this chance for the people who died during the election; may their souls rest in peace," he declared.

Additionally, Adeleke stated that his family will provide help to the relatives of those who died during the election, emphasizing that the aid would not be provided by the government.

"And I'm telling you, and of course I'm telling you that the Adeleke family is promising to take them, not government money now, for all those who have lost their lives," the governor declared.

Governor Ademola 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐤𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭 and 𝐕𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐎𝐬𝐮𝐧 state 𝐖𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐓𝐨 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
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— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) August 19, 2026