Osun State Hails Diaspora Citizens for Historic Homecoming and Crucial Role in Governor Adeleke’s Poll Victory

The Osun State Government has showered praise on its citizens living overseas for their extraordinary dedication and personal sacrifices in travelling back home to take part in the August 15, 2026 Governorship Election, which resulted in the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Speaking in Osogbo, the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter-Governmental Relations, Dr. Biyi Odunlade, hailed the remarkable turnout of Osun natives from across the globe, stating that their actions reflected genuine affection for their home state and firm belief in the current administration.

Odunlade revealed that nearly 1,000 Osun indigenes made their way from nations including Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and several other countries to rally support, canvass for votes and ultimately return to cast their ballots.

The Commissioner remarked, “The sacrifices you made, the financial resources you committed and your unwavering resolve to be part of this electoral process clearly prove that the pull of home transcends every boundary.”

He described the level of diaspora involvement as unparalleled, stressing that it underlined the vital contributions Osun citizens abroad continue to make toward the political advancement and socioeconomic growth of the state.

Odunlade assured that the state government fully acknowledges the diaspora community’s efforts and will keep creating platforms for them to engage meaningfully in policy discussions, investment schemes, governance and various developmental programmes.

He added, “We deeply appreciate every single person who stepped away from work, took time off and spent their hard-earned money to return and exercise their franchise. This administration is yours just as much as it belongs to those at home.”

Among the notable figures in the Osun Diaspora team that backed the mobilisation drive was Oba Yahaya Adebayo Giwa, President of the Nigerian Traditional Rulers in Côte d’Ivoire, who stood with traditional and community leaders in supporting the homecoming initiative.

Also prominent was Alhaji Kazeem Balogun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EDE MALL, Oke Gada, Ede, and proprietor of KAZ OIL. Balogun, a resident of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, played a key role as a member of the diaspora group that journeyed home to campaign and vote for the governor’s second term.

The mobilisation efforts were steered by the Diaspora Committee of the IMOLE Campaign Council, chaired by Otunba Yemisi Kayode Oladeji from Iresi, who resides in London. Because of his location outside Nigeria, the committee’s operations were managed locally to guarantee efficient coordination and maximum involvement of Osun natives abroad.

The committee’s Secretary, Comrade Aderinto from Egbedore, equally contributed to overseeing the group’s activities.

The Commissioner called on more Osun residents living overseas to stay connected with their roots and seize available opportunities to support the state’s progress.

He further advised members of the diaspora to continue their civic involvement beyond election periods by backing projects in education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, investment and other growth-oriented efforts throughout the state.

He reiterated that the Adeleke administration will consistently view Osun indigenes, whether at home or abroad, as essential partners in the state’s development vision.