By Happy Bayo | National News
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his victory in the August 2026 governorship election.
Adeleke received the certificate on Wednesday from INEC National Commissioner representing the South-West, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, at a ceremony attended by members of the state executive council, political associates and other supporters.
The governor was declared winner of the election by the State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, after polling 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.
Speaking after receiving the certificate, Adeleke dedicated his victory to the people of Osun State, acknowledging workers, traders, youths, traditional and religious leaders and other residents who participated in the electoral process.
He also announced plans to establish a N500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to assist people affected by violence before and during the election.
According to the governor, the fund will provide relief to verified victims and affected families irrespective of their political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status.
A verification and relief committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, will oversee the identification of victims and distribution of assistance.
Adeleke described the initiative as a humanitarian responsibility, stressing that no political ambition was worth the loss of a human life.
He also announced that his family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, would provide scholarships up to university level for children and dependants of people who lost their lives in election-related violence.
Gunshots Near Ataoja Palace
The certificate presentation was followed by a security incident near the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, where gunshots were reportedly heard for several minutes shortly after Adeleke’s visit.
The governor had arrived at the palace in a convoy of about 20 vehicles after leaving the INEC office.
According to police, the incident began after a suspected thug, identified as Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as “Small Rugged,” allegedly attempted to gain access to Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, who had accompanied the governor.
The suspect was reportedly resisted by Davido’s security personnel, triggering a confrontation involving other suspected gang members in the area.
The governor’s convoy eventually left the palace safely.
However, the ensuing violence later claimed the life of a 60-year-old resident, Tajudeen Yusuf, who was reportedly shot at Itaolokan area of Osogbo.
The Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said Yusuf was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he was pronounced dead.
The police said investigations had commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing.
Commissioner of Police (Election), Osun State Command, Samuel Etaifo, condemned the incident and assured residents that the command would deploy all available resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Davido, meanwhile, clarified that the violence was not directed at him or his uncle, saying the altercation occurred outside the palace and had nothing to do with them.
The police urged members of the public to remain calm, provide useful information to investigators and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
