Adegboyega Oyetola, the former governor of Osun State has congratulated Ademola Adeleke, his successor, on the Supreme Court decision upholding his victory as the state’s governor.
After the July 16 governorship election, Oyetola brought Adeleke before the Election Petition Tribunal, claiming that the election had been tainted by irregularities and pleading with the court to reinstate him as the legitimate governor.
The panel upheld Oyetola’s claim, concluding that Adeleke did not receive the required number of valid votes, and proclaimed Oyetola the winner. The Independent National Election Commission, or INEC, had declared Adeleke the winner; however, the Court of Appeal overturned that decision.
The Supreme Court further upheld Adeleke’s victory as the state’s legitimately elected governor.
Oyetola stated that even though the Apex Court’s decision went against the wishes of his party’s members and supporters, he still accepted it for the sake of peace and the growth of the state in a statement that was personally signed by him and made available to journalists by his spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan.
The former governor pleaded with members of his political party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, as well as his supporters and those who cast ballots for him on July 16, 2022, to accept the verdict as God’s will and go on.
“We strongly believe we presented a good case before the Supreme Court, but the Court thought otherwise and has given its verdict. While the outcome is against our wish and that of our party members and supporters, we are all bound to accept it as law-abiding citizens.
“To our members and supporters across the state, I urge you all to accept the verdict of the court and move on. The present situation is a win-win for us. It’s both a loss and a victory rolled into one. While we lost Osun technically, we gained Nigeria,” he said.
Oyetola urged APC members and supporters to be prepared for the challenges the party would face by urging them not to be unhappy or upset at the court’s ruling. He also expressed his gratitude to the party’s leadership for their dedication and support throughout the legal dispute, both at the state and national levels.
“I remain committed to the growth and development of Osun. I will therefore continue to work with well-meaning citizens of Osun, associations, and institutions to facilitate the development of our dear state. Similarly, I urge all citizens of Osun to continue to exhibit the Omoluabi ethos and uphold the dreams of our forebears for the state, irrespective of party affiliations.
“To the Osun Governor, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your victory at the Supreme Court. While I pray for your tenure to be prosperous for our people and the state, I urge you to focus on the delivery of good governance.
“Politics aside, the time has come to let you know that the interest of the masses must be paramount without any restriction or discrimination, whether based on political persuasion, creed, or religion. Whatever personal differences we have must give way to the advancement of our great state.
Regardless of their political and religious inclinations, the security of the Osun people must be ensured. I wish for harmony and advancement throughout your term,” Oyetola added.