Following the declaration of the People Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, as the winner of the Osun State governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), residents of the State in different cities and towns have trooped out to major streets in wild jubilation, singing victory songs to celebrate Adekele’s victory on Sunday.
In Ede town, Adeleke’s hometown, people moved round the town celebrating their son’s victory at the poll with slogans like “Awa lokan”, “Ede lokan” meaning “It’s Our Turn”, “It’s Ede’s Turn” respectively.
The State Returning Officer, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, who is the vice chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), had earlier on Sunday morning announced the victory of Adeleke on behalf of INEC after the collation of results from the 30 LGAs of the State at INEC office in Osogbo, the state capital.
The celebrations resulted in traffic gridlock as vehicular movement was brought to a standstill for hours in Ede town.
Meanwhile, the Osun State governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in his acceptance speech after the formal announcement, appreciated the people of Osun for electing him as their governor, saying he dedicated his victory to his late older brother and former governor of the State, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, Osun people, and all his supporters and friends.
Adeleke, who pledged his commitment to the wellbeing of the people of Osun, noted that he would dedicate himself to the service of the state with outmost sincerity.
“I give praise and adoration to Almighty God
“I praise the courage and determination of the good people of Osun State.
“I commend men and women of goodwill, the young and the old. I am overwhelmed by your love and support. Our state has turned a new page. We have launched a landmark path for progress and prosperity of our people.
“It is, therefore, with strong faith in God and trust in our people that I accept my election as the Governor of Osun State. I pledge my total commitment to the best interest of the state and her people,” Adeleke said.
But, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent governor of the State, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reacted to the development.
He, however, noted that the party would be responding appropriately after studying the results of the election and consulting with critical stakeholders of the APC.
In a statement issued by the chief press secretary to the governor, Ismail Omipidan, on Sunday, Oyetola called on his supporters to remain calm, and the people of the state to go about their businesses without let or hindrance.
The governor also called on security operatives to ensure the maintenance of law and order as he has directed security operatives to take adequate charge so as to prevent possible breakdown of law and order.
Meanwhile, in his congratulatory message, the Timi of Ede land, Oba (Dr.) Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa 1, described the victory of Adeleke as well deserved.
While admonishing the Ede-born governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory, the monarch called on Senator Adeleke to payback the people of Osun State who voted massively for him, with good governance and dividends of democracy as promised in his electioneering campaign.
The traditional ruler, who thanked the electorate for speaking with their votes, said the peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the state before, during and after the poll was an indication that people of Osun are indeed virtuous people.
Oba Munirudeen lauded all the stakeholders especially INEC, the law enforcement agents, and the press for doing a good job, saying posterity will reward them.
While urging his people to be magnanimous in victory, the traditional ruler called on the other political parties to exhibit sportsmanship and join hands with the winner to move the state forward.
Also, a chieftain of the PDP in the state, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has described the victory of PDP as a dawn of new era for the people of the state, whom he said have been subjected to misgovernance by the APC administration in the last 12 years.
In a statement issued by his Media Office on Sunday, Babayemi while congratulating the party and the people of the state, noted that with the triumph of the PDP at the Saturday’s poll, the people have liberated themselves through their votes.
“I want to implore that we don’t rest on oars until we take over at the center by voting in Atiku as President, and our governors as well as lawmakers at federal and state levels.We need these for ease of administration,” he maintained.
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