Osun Tribunal Verdict: Adeleke Reacts As Protests, Jubilations Rock State
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has reacted to the judgment of the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal nullifying his declaration as the winner of last year’s governorship polls in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He Governor, who took to his Twitter handle, called for calm, urging the people of the state to remain calm.
According to him, the judgment overturning his election will be appealed.
He wrote: “I want to use this opportunity to call on our people to remain calm. We will appeal the judgement and we are sure justice will be done.
“Let everyone be reassured that we will do everything possible to retain this widely acclaimed mandate. God bless Osun!”, Governor Adeleke tweeted.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the judgment, residents took to the streets to protest the tribunal’s verdict, who declared Adegboyega Oyetola as the winner of the polls.
This is even as there was jubilation in the ancient city of Iragbiji, the home town of Oyetola.
However, members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in their numbers, trooped to the streets of Osogbo, Osun State capital to express displeasure over the judgement of the Tribunal.
The protesters who marched from Jaleyemi area of Osogbo gathered at the popular Olaiya junction at about 4pm on Friday.
Some branded vans were sighted amongst other vehicles including motorcycles as the junction became crowded instantaneously.
The demonstrators were seen mounting road blockades at the roundabout, hindering free movement of vehicles.
However, it was a peaceful demonstration as residents calmly continued the day’s activities.
The aggrieved residents accused the Election Tribunal of injustice and unfairness for pronouncing Oyetola as the winner of the governorship election, insisting that Adeleke will remain in office.
The protesters’ placards read – Imole has come to stay; Osun citizens reject Oyetola; Tribunal panel not fair; Olorunda local govt say no to tribunal; Injustice for Adeleke, amongst others.
The Osun State Election Petition Tribunal had, on Friday morning sacked Governor Ademola Adeleke and declared former governor, Adegboyega Oyetola as the winner of the July 16, 2022 governorship polls.
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