The former Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, has congratulated his successor, the current Governor of Osun State, and accepted Tuesday’s ruling of the Supreme Court, which upheld the election of Ademola Adeleke as the state governor.
Oyetola earlier dragged Ademola Adeleke before the Election Petition Tribunal after the July 16 governorship election, alleging that the election was marred with irregularities and asking the court to return him as the duly elected governor. While the tribunal upheld Oyetola’s argument and invalidated Adeleke’s victory, the court of appeal and the supreme court affirmed Adeleke’s victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement personally signed by him, Oyetola said he accepts the ruling in the interest of peace and development in the state and urged members of his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), his supporters, and those who voted for him during the governorship election on July 16, 2022, to accept the judgment as the will of God and move 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 victory rolled into one. While we lost Osun technically, we gained Nigeria,” he said.
While he prayed for prosperity for Adeleke’s government, Oyetola urged him to deliver good governance to the people. He also appreciated the leadership of the party in the state and at the national level for their commitment and support throughout the period of the legal tussle.
He added, “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 development to 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 delivery of good governance.
“Politics aside, time has come to let you know that the interest of the masses must be most 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.
The security of Osun people must be guaranteed regardless of their religious and political affiliations. I pray for peace and progress in your tenure.”
