Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, officially inaugurated the newly elected local government chairmen and councillors on Sunday following Saturday’s elections.
During the swearing-in ceremony in Osogbo, Adeleke emphasized the importance of good governance and cautioned against any unlawful attempts to seize council secretariats. He urged the newly elected officials to prioritize service delivery and uphold democratic principles.
The governor also extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for preventing efforts by certain groups to destabilize the state. He described the inauguration as a significant milestone in Osun’s democratic journey, stressing that the electoral process adhered to legal and procedural standards.
“We are here to conclude a democratic process for which we all laboured so hard to achieve,” Adeleke said.
Before delivering his speech, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, called for a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives during the alleged unlawful takeover of local government secretariats by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reflecting on the electoral process, Adeleke reaffirmed that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission adhered to all legal requirements in conducting the local government elections. He highlighted the state’s commitment to democratic principles and due process.
“The state electoral body had issued due notice of election a year ago. I know the commission had complied with all extant rules and procedures which led to the emergence of new local government chairmen and councillors,” he stated.
Recognizing the legal disputes surrounding the election, Adeleke maintained that his administration operated strictly within the confines of the law.
“It is, however, a thing of joy that the facts are out in the public domain, and we are satisfied that we are on the side of the law within the context of the rule of law and the constitution,” he added.
Speaking to the newly inaugurated officials, Adeleke urged them to serve as catalysts for change, drive community development, and ensure the delivery of democratic benefits to the people.
“You have the mandate to deliver on good governance in your respective local governments.
“I charge you to develop plans of action within the manifesto of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“As our government is transforming the state for the better, I call on you to be agents of change,” he said.
