From Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

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The battle over Osun Governorship seat was yesterday finally settled by the Supreme Court which upheld the victory of Senator Ademola Adeleke, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the duly elected Governor of the state.

Reacting to the judgement, Governor Ademola Adeleke said it was a historic day  in the history of Osun, adding that”. Today is the day, our God ordained.

“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 on 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.

“As a moral compass, affirming the integrity of my lord justice, your affirmation for the truth and peoples’ will, consolidate and strengthen our democracy. On behalf of Osun people we appreciate you and adore your love for justice and equity.

“To all stakeholders in Osun State project, be assured that the revalidation of our mandate is a challenge, a call to duty, a fresh demand for more dividends 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 residents and citizens, in respective of party affiliations. This is our state and we must join hands to develop it.

“My appreciation goes to my family. My wives, Titi and Ngozi and children. To all Imole in Nigeria and abroad. Thank you for standing by me. I want to thank my brothers and sisters.

Our policies shall fight poverty, insecurity, unemployment and underdevelopment. You shall enjoy the dividends of democracy, “he stated .

The  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Adeleke winner of the July 16, 2022  governorship election which made the former Governor Gboyega Oyetola to approach the state tribunal where he (Oyetola) was declared winner.

Dissatisfied with the ruling of State Tribunal, Adeleke and his party, PDP headed to Appeal Court where his (Adeleke) victory was upheld.

Dissatisfied with the judgment of Appeal Court, both Oyetola and APC took the matter before the Supreme Court where they also lost on Tuesday.

Reading the lead judgement, Justice Agim of the Supreme Court established that Oyetola failed to prove over-voting in his Appeal, as the BVAS machines are the basis for proving over-voting.

However, the Supreme Court also held that the Election Petitions Tribunal breached Adeleke’s rights to fair hearing and its decision is thus a nullity.

The Supreme Court, therefore dismissed the Appeal of the APC and Oyetola for lack of merit.