Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Sunday, inaugurated the newly elected local government chairmen and councillors in the Saturday poll.
Adeleke urged them to focus on good governance while warning against any attempt to forcibly occupy council secretariats.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for resisting attempts by some forces to destabilise Osun State.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Osogbo, the governor described the occasion as a major milestone in the state’s democratic process, emphasising that the election was conducted in line with due process.
“We are here to conclude a democratic process for which we all laboured so hard to achieve,” Adeleke said.
Before proceeding with his address, the governor called for a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives during the “illegal APC takeover of local government secretariats.”
The governor recounted the journey leading to the local government election, stating that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission had duly followed all legal procedures.
“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.
While acknowledging the legal controversies surrounding the election, Adeleke affirmed that his administration acted within the ambit 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.
Addressing the newly sworn-in officials, Adeleke charged them to be “agents of change, community developers, and deliverers of the dividends of democracy.”
“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.
The governor also appreciated the people of Osun for their steadfast support, assuring them that his administration would remain committed to their welfare.
“Osun people demonstrated courage and passion to exercise their voting rights, and they did so by massively supporting our party despite all the constraints. We will not fail you. People’s welfare will continue to be our watchword,” he promised.
Adeleke commended OSIEC, security agencies, and state officials for ensuring the success of the election.
In a significant moment, the governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for resisting attempts by some forces to destabilise Osun State.
“I should not end this address without acknowledging the contributions of Mr. President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I am most grateful to Mr. President for rejecting efforts by some forces to plunge Osun into chaos,” Adeleke stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law and the constitution in governance and conflict resolution.
