Victims of violence linked to the August 15 Osun State governorship election have been urged to come forward and submit their claims to the state’s Election Violence Relief Committee for consideration.
The committee’s chairman and Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, made the appeal on Thursday at the committee’s inaugural meeting in the state.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Olamide Tiamiyu, Egbedun said the committee had already begun receiving complaints and would verify claims before determining the appropriate relief for genuine victims.
He described the assignment as humanitarian and sensitive, assuring affected residents that their cases would be handled fairly, transparently and without prejudice.
“Speaking at the maiden meeting of the committee, the Chairman welcomed members and expressed appreciation for accepting to serve at what he described as a critical moment in the history of the state.
“Egbedun said the assignment of the committee was both humanitarian and sensitive, stressing that its responsibility was to listen to victims, verify genuine claims and ensure that appropriate relief reached those who suffered losses as a result of election-related violence.
“He assured the public that the committee would discharge its responsibilities fairly, transparently and without prejudice, noting that every submission would be treated with utmost seriousness and decisions would be guided by facts, fairness and compassion.”
The committee specifically appealed to victims who suffered injuries and remain on admission or under treatment to make their cases known, preferably through family members or representatives.
The committee, Egbedun said, would contact the hospitals involved and facilitate the necessary care for such victims.
“The chairman further assured the victims, their families and the hospitals involved that the government remained committed to taking responsibility for the approved cost of their treatment.
“He also disclosed that the Dynasty, through the Springtime Development Foundation, had communicated its decision to sponsor scholarships for the children of those who tragically lost their lives during the violence,” the statement added.
Egbedun commended the Adeleke Dynasty for the intervention, describing the scholarship initiative as a significant humanitarian gesture towards families affected by the violence.
He said educating the children of those who died would help preserve their hope and create opportunities for a better future despite their loss.
“As Chairman of the Election Violence Relief Committee, I commend this initiative and assure the Adeleke Dynasty and the Springtime Development Foundation of the Committee’s appreciation and support in ensuring that the gesture reaches the intended beneficiaries transparently and effectively.”
The speaker reiterated that the committee would maintain a credible and transparent process, stressing that genuine victims would not be excluded from the relief programme.
The Punch reported that Ademola Adeleke was declared winner of the August 15 governorship election by the State Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joshua Ogunwole.
Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, secured 511,067 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
