Following his victory in the Supreme Court, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State vowed to rule with the fear of God and in service to the Osun people.
As previously reported by SaharaReporters, the Supreme Court upheld Adeleke's victory in the state's governorship election in July 2022, rejecting the former governor Gboyega Oyetola appeal that had been made to challenge the outcome.
Oyetola had petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn the appellate court's decision to throw out the election tribunal's decision.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Oyetola was declared the winner by the election tribunal.
Adeleke was reinstated as governor by the Court of Appeal, according to the ruling of a five-judge Supreme Court panel.
A lawsuit seeking Adeleke's disqualification as the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Osun governorship election, which was held on July 16, 2022, was earlier today dismissed by a Federal High Court in Osogbo.
Adeleke expressed gratitude to God and assured the people of Osun that his administration would faithfully carry out the five points of his social contract with them in response to the court decisions that were in his favor.
Speaking in his native Ede, Adeleke called the verdict "a 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," he also said.
He added, “Today is that moment when the will of the people ordained by God survived the 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, by the people," he promised.
Adeleke praised the Supreme Court justices who gave the ruling, saying they upheld the "integrity of my lord justice, your affirmation for the truth and people's will, consolidate and strengthen our democracy." We appreciate and adore your love of justice and equity on behalf of the Osun people.
Speaking to project stakeholders, Adeleke referred to the court rulings as "a challenge, a call to duty, a fresh demand for more dividends of democracy."
He continued, “I commit myself to more expanded delivery of good governance, in me, you will find a true pro-people governor. I seek the support of all Osun residents and citizens, in respective 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 brother and sister.
“My people of Osun State, the good job continues, we wrap up the implementation of our five points agenda. We shall focus on grassroots development. We shall embark on the agricultural revival of our dear state. Our policies shall fight poverty, insecurity, unemployment, and underdevelopment. You shall truthfully feel and enjoy the dividend of democracy."