Residents of Osun State are upbeat over the court’s affirmation of the victory of the APC and Adegboyega Oyetola in the July governorship contest held in the state last year.
Mr Oyetola, whose first term in office recorded key reforms and notable administrative achievements, successfully overturned INEC’s declaration of the PDP’s Ademola Adeleke as the elected governor after proving the existence of infractions, including overvoting, that affected the final vote count.
In the Friday judgement delivered by the Election Petition Tribunal, INEC was directed to immediately issue a fresh certificate of return to Mr Oyetola, recognizing him as the winner and elected governor of the state, although the defendant, Ademola Adeleke has promised to appeal the decision.
Immediately the news of the verdict became public, the state erupted in jubilation as residents in different communities took to the streets to celebrate the prospect of Oyetola’s return and the termination of Adeleke’s reign.
Although he has only spent a few months in office, the sacked Governor Adeleke has proved disappointing with a series of controversial decisions, including politically motivated sacks of public servants and the pursuit of policies that have negatively impacted the state’s hitherto flourishing economy.
Moreover, many view his emergence as incongruous with widespread sentiment, having voted in Local Governments across the state to extend the administration of Adegboyega Oyetola.
The celebration was particularly uproarious in Oyetola’s hometown where his presence triggered wild jubilations and street parties, with many counting down the clock until the legal marathon is concluded and he is sworn in for another term.