Former Governor Gboyega Oyetola has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on the Supreme Court judgment affirming him as the winner of the July 16, 2022, governorship election.

”I accept the court’s verdict, which upheld Adeleke’s election,” Mr Oyetola said in a statement on Wednesday. “To Governor Adeleke, I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your victory at the Supreme Court.”

Mr Oyetola urged the incumbent Osun governor to focus on good governance and the residents’ interest without discrimination.

“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,” Mr Oyetola said.

The ex-governor said though the apex court’s verdict was against his party’s wish, he accepted it in the interest of peace and development of Osun.

Mr Oyetola urged APC members, his supporters and those who voted for him during the governorship election 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,” he stated. “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.”

Mr Oyetola further said, “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 is both a loss and victory rolled into one. While we lost Osun technically, we gained Nigeria.”

On Tuesday, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which had affirmed Mr Adeleke’s victory on March 24.

The Osun tribunal had, on January 27, annulled Mr Adeleke’s victory and declared Mr Oyetola as the valid winner of the poll after the Independent National Electoral Commission had returned Mr Adeleke as the winner of the poll.

(NAN)