The Nigeria Region of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, following his success in the August 15 governorship election.
In a message dated August 16, the group’s Regional Secretary, Snr. Ap. Joe O. Okoh, conveyed the organisation’s goodwill on behalf of its Regional President, HME Elder Israel Akinadewo FCA, PhD.
The OAIC described the election outcome as an indication that Adeleke had earned the continued support of a significant section of the electorate.
According to the organisation, the fresh mandate gives the governor the opportunity to sustain projects and policies from his first four years while placing greater attention on peace, social welfare, unity and economic advancement in the state.
The church body also said it remained committed to promoting responsible leadership, fairness, peaceful coexistence and the general welfare of Nigerians. It noted that Adeleke has ties to the OAIC through one of its affiliated churches.
The organisation wished the governor strength and wisdom as he prepares for another four-year term, while seeking divine guidance, good health and clear judgement for him.
It also expressed hope that Adeleke’s next tenure would bring further improvements to the lives of Osun residents and promote prosperity and stability across the state without discrimination based on political or religious identity.
Adeleke, who ran under the Accord Party, emerged victorious in the August 15 election and was formally declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission on August 16.
He secured 511,067 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who recorded 444,815 votes. The African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, placed third with 17,180 votes.
Adeleke therefore finished 66,252 votes ahead of Oyebamiji and carried 19 of Osun’s 30 local government areas. Oyebamiji won the remaining 11.
Fifteen candidates took part in the election, though the race was primarily viewed as a two-way contest between Adeleke and Oyebamiji.
