Jubilation erupted across Osun State on Sunday following the declaration of Governor Ademola Adeleke as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Supporters of the governor took to the streets in Osogbo, Ede, Ilesa, Ife, Iwo and other communities, singing, dancing and celebrating the outcome of the closely contested poll.
The celebrations followed INEC’s declaration of Adeleke, the candidate of the Accord Party, as the winner after the final results from the state’s 30 local government areas were collated.
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes, defeating his closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes. The governor won 19 LGAs, while Oyebamiji prevailed in 11.
The result triggered celebrations among Adeleke’s supporters, who described the victory as a confirmation of the governor’s acceptance among voters.
In Osogbo, groups of supporters were seen celebrating the result, with music, dancing and chants accompanying the festivities. Similar scenes were reported in other parts of the state as residents reacted to the final declaration.
The Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, congratulated Adeleke and the people of the state, describing the governor’s re-election as a victory for democracy and a reaffirmation of the people’s confidence in his leadership.
Igbalaye’s reaction reflected the mood among members of the governor’s political camp, who viewed the result as an endorsement of the administration’s performance since Adeleke assumed office.
Outside the political establishment, the governor also received a high-profile congratulatory message from his nephew, Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido. Davido celebrated the result in an emotional message following the declaration of his uncle as winner.
Skyline News reports that the election outcome represents a significant victory for Adeleke, particularly because he contested under the Accord Party after leaving the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).
The APC had mounted a strong challenge, with Oyebamiji backed by prominent figures within the party. The party had also intensified its mobilisation ahead of the poll in an effort to reclaim the state.
Despite the defeat, the APC secured victories in 11 LGAs, including Ilesa East and Olorunda, demonstrating the competitive nature of the contest.
