By Isa Isawade

Osun State Government has commended indigenes of the state in the diaspora for their commitment and sacrifice in returning home to participate in the August 15, 2026 Governorship Election, which saw Governor Ademola Adeleke re-elected for another term.

The Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter-Governmental Relations, Dr. Biyi Odunlade, gave the commendation in Osogbo, describing the massive participation of Osun indigenes from different parts of the world as a demonstration of their love for the state and confidence in the Adeleke administration.

According to Odunlade, close to 1,000 Osun indigenes travelled from Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and other countries to campaign, mobilise voters and ultimately return home to exercise their civic responsibility.

“Your sacrifice, financial commitment and determination to be part of this democratic process show that the love for home is stronger than distance,” the commissioner said.

Osun election

He described the diaspora participation as unprecedented, noting that it demonstrated the important role Osun indigenes abroad continue to play in the political and socio-economic development of the state.

Odunlade said the state government recognised the contributions of the diaspora community and would continue to create avenues for them to participate meaningfully in policy formulation, investment opportunities, governance and other development initiatives.

“We appreciate every one of you who left your businesses, took leave and spent your resources to come home and vote. This government belongs to you too, both at home and in the diaspora,” he added.

Among the prominent members of the Osun Diaspora team who contributed to the mobilisation was Oba Yah Yah Adebayo Giwa, President of the Nigerian Traditional Rulers in Côte d’Ivoire, who was among the traditional and community leaders supporting the homecoming initiative.

Also prominent was Alhaji Kazeem Balogun, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of EDE MALL, Oke Gada, Ede, and owner of KAZ OIL. Balogun, who is based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, was a prominent member of the Osun Diaspora team that returned home to campaign and vote for Governor Adeleke’s re-election.

The mobilisation effort was also coordinated under the Diaspora Committee of the IMOLE Campaign Council, chaired by Otunba Yemisi Kayode Oladeji from Iresi, who is based in London. Due to his location outside Nigeria, the committee’s activities were coordinated locally to ensure effective mobilisation and participation of Osun indigenes in the diaspora.

The Secretary of the Diaspora Committee is Comrade Aderinto from Egbedore, who also played a role in coordinating the activities of the committee.

The Commissioner urged more Osun indigenes living abroad to remain connected to the state and take advantage of opportunities to contribute to its development.

He also encouraged members of the diaspora community to sustain their civic engagement beyond elections by supporting investment, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment and other development initiatives across the state.

He said the Adeleke administration would continue to regard Osun indigenes at home and abroad as important stakeholders in the state’s development agenda.