Judiciary
By Anthony Isibor
The Supreme Court on Tuesday May 9, affirmed Gov. Ademola Adeleke’s victory over former Gov. Oyetola of Osun State, both candidates in the July 16, 2022 Osun State Guber Election.
The Supreme Court in its judgment read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, held that the appellant failed to provide enough evidence to prove his allegation of over voting in the governorship poll.
The judgment was affirmed and adopted by the entire five members of the panel.
According to all the members of the panel, the appeal lacked merit.
Reacting, Gov. Adeleke said that the Supreme Court ruling is a call for him to render more service to his people. Adeleke at his residents in Ede, Osun State described the supreme court ruling as a historic landmark in the history of Osun politics “Today is the day our God ordained to stamp His authority as the owner and giver of power, today is the 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, power is of God, and he bestows it on whomever He wishes. I will remain Gods driven, divinely inspired, I will govern with the fear of God. our victory is an affirmation that we are of the will of the people.
“To all stake holders in the Osun project, be assured that the revalidation of our mandate is a challenge, a call to duty, a fresh demand to more dividends of democracy. I commit myself to more expanded delivery of good governance. In me you will find a true people governance.
“I seek support of true Osun citizens. this is our state, and we must join hands to develop it.
Realnews reports that the Supreme Court judgment today brings to an end the legal tussle between Adeleke and Oyetola over the rightful winner of the governorship election which has gone through the Osun State Electoral Tribunal, and the Appellate court.
Although Oyetola won at the tribunal, but the appeal court overruled the Tribunals judgment declaring Adeleke as the real winner of the election.
Nigerians have reacted to the Supreme Court ruling congratulating his victory describing it as a victory for democracy.
President Muhammadu Buhari has recognised the Supreme Court verdict on the July 16, 2022 governorship election in Osun as well the important role of the judiciary in deepening democracy and rule of law. The president said in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Mr Femi Adesina, on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to Buhari, with the verdict of the apex court, the main task at hand now is to make the people feel the impact of good governance, where a prosperous, peaceful and stable Osun is guaranteed.
Similarly, Debo Ologunagba, Peoples Democratic Party National Publicity Secretary, described that the court verdict as the ultimate triumph of the will of the people of Osun.
“The judgment of the Supreme Court has further restored the confidence Nigerians repose in the institution of the Judiciary and the hope for the sustenance of democracy in our country,’’ he said.
Realnews also reports that Onyechi Ikpeazu who is the lead counsel for Gov. Adeleke is also the lead counsel of Peter Obi who is currently challenging the outcome of the 2023 presidential election that declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner.
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Tags: Bola Ahmed Tinubu Gov. Ademola Adeleke Gov. Oyetola Justice Emmanuel Agim Mr Femi Adesina Onyechi Ikpeazu Peter Obi President Muhammadu Buhari
