The issue of who is the elected governor of Osun state has finally been settled.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday affirmed Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party as the governor of Osun State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared that Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party polled 403,371 votes, to defeat then-incumbent governor Adegboyega Oyetola, of the All Progressives Congress, who got 375,027 votes.
But Oyetola and the APC rejected the result of the poll and headed for the tribunal to challenged it. He got what he wanted at the tribunal but his victory was short lived as the Appeal Court faulted the tribunal and restored the mandate of Adeleke, which was also confirmed by the apex Court.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday afternoon, a five-member panel of Justices of the apex court held that the Court of Appeal was right in reinstating Adeleke as governor.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has vowed to govern the state with the fear of God for his four years tenure.
Adeleke while reacting to the Supreme court verdict in his residence in Ede, applauded the judiciary for upholding the judgement of the Appeal stressing that, “mandate given to him by the people has survived anti-masses plots.”
According to him, “This is an historic landmark in the history of Osun politics. Today is the day, our God ordained to stand his authority as the owner and giver of power.
“Today is that moment when the will of the people ordained by God survived anti-masses plot of powerful forces. We therefore celebrate God almighty. We dedicate today’s victory to Him. State power is of God and he bestowed it in whoever he wishes. I will remain God’s driven, divinely inspired, I will govern with the fear of God. Our governorship is an affirmation that we are for the people, by the people.”
He added that the pronouncement of the Supreme Court has strengthened democracy as they affirm the truth and peoples will, saying, “on behalf of Osun people we appreciate you and adore your love for justice and equity.”
Adeleke assured that “To all stakeholders in osun project, be assured that the revalidation of our mandate is a challenge, a call to duty, a fresh demand for more dividend of democracy.I commit myself to more expanded delivery of good governance, in me you will find a true pro people governor.
“I seek support of all Osun resident and citizens, in respective of party affiliations. This is our state and we must join hands to develop it.
“My people of Osun State, the good job continues, we wrap up the implementation of our five points agenda. We shall focus on grassroot development. We shall embark on agricultural revival of our dear state. Our policies shall fight poverty, insecurity, unemployment and underdevelopment. You shall truthful feel and enjoy the dividend of democracy.”
