STATE BROADCAST ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF OSUN STATE

My good people of Osun state

It is with deep sense of gratitude and appreciation that I address you on this occasion of the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear state. When I look back and review the past and recent developments, I cannot but applaud the commitment and unrivalled passion of our people for the growth and development of Osun state.

I recognise the pains and sacrifices of our people in the last few months. We all recognise the unfortunate disruptions in our lives due to the recent governorship election. In many fora, I empathize with many families who lost loved ones. Your sacrifices and those of many who were injured will not go in vain.

My people, you demonstrated tenacious belief in democracy and the rule of law. For over two years now, you complied with my admonition not to take laws into your own hands. Even in the face of the worst form of provocations, you endured the gruesome unleashing of violence without fighting back.

On the day of election, you trooped out en masse to exercise your voting rights. You did so with candour and fearlessness. Amidst reign of terror, you rejected the guns and embraced the ballot. As true sons and daughters of the source, you not only voted but you defended your votes even at personal risk to your lives. Again, I doff my cap for your courage and patriotism.

Of all developments in the last 35 years of the creation of our dear state, this last state election stands out as the toughest test of who we are as a people. By your conduct and the outcome of the polls, Osun people demonstrated to the world that we are indeed the cradle of the Yoruba race, that we are people of valour and integrity. Nationally, my people have emerged as a shining light for democratic practice.

Our founding fathers must be proud of the accomplishments of the state especially at this point in time. By standing for democracy through pains and hardship, our people paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of Osun state, alive and in eternal transition. Our recent experience as a state is not only a defence of democracy but of good governance and rule of law.

My people, as you have again conferred the leadership mandate on me under recent difficult circumstances, I promise to heal the wounds, unite the people and uphold equity and fairness. Our administration will be all inclusive and attentive to criticisms in our bid to strengthen state development.

We will build on our achievements on state infrastructure, digital economy, sports development, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare expansion. The youth, women and students will continue to receive special attention. We will expand industrialisation within the scope of workers’ welfare. Our state will witness particular attention to rural integrated development alongside a renewed focus on ease of doing business. We will focus more on creating wealth and deepening anti- poverty initiatives.

We will continue to implement our renewed five point agenda within the compass of due process, procurement regulations and project implementation best practices. We will further refine the adoption of the local content model while expanding financial inclusion through cooperative sector financing.

As we celebrate the anniversary of the creation of our dear state, I urge all residents to be law abiding and avoid violence. We must not engage in reprisal attacks. Our administration is setting up a Commission of Inquiry on election violence. The body will take memorandum from all victims and residents who are affected by recent electoral violence. This initiative is to identify the causes and remedies and proffer ways to stop such recurrence in the future.

Our administration has also set up an election victim compensation fund headed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun. This initiative is to cushion the effect of the recent needless violence.

On this anniversary day, we have a lot to be proud of despite our challenges. I seek your continued cooperation to further deliver good governance. I will work harder never to disappoint you, the great people of Osun state.

Happy Anniversary celebrations
Long live Osun State
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

STATE BROADCAST ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF OSUN STATE

My good people of Osun state

It is with deep sense of gratitude and appreciation that I address you on this occasion of the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear state. When I look back and review the past and recent developments, I cannot but applaud the commitment and unrivalled passion of our people for the growth and development of Osun state.

I recognise the pains and sacrifices of our people in the last few months. We all recognise the unfortunate disruptions in our lives due to the recent governorship election. In many fora, I empathize with many families who lost loved ones. Your sacrifices and those of many who were injured will not go in vain.

My people, you demonstrated tenacious belief in democracy and the rule of law. For over two years now, you complied with my admonition not to take laws into your own hands. Even in the face of the worst form of provocations, you endured the gruesome unleashing of violence without fighting back.

On the day of election, you trooped out en masse to exercise your voting rights. You did so with candour and fearlessness. Amidst reign of terror, you rejected the guns and embraced the ballot. As true sons and daughters of the source, you not only voted but you defended your votes even at personal risk to your lives. Again, I doff my cap for your courage and patriotism.

Of all developments in the last 35 years of the creation of our dear state, this last state election stands out as the toughest test of who we are as a people. By your conduct and the outcome of the polls, Osun people demonstrated to the world that we are indeed the cradle of the Yoruba race, that we are people of valour and integrity. Nationally, my people have emerged as a shining light for democratic practice.

Our founding fathers must be proud of the accomplishments of the state especially at this point in time. By standing for democracy through pains and hardship, our people paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of Osun state, alive and in eternal transition. Our recent experience as a state is not only a defence of democracy but of good governance and rule of law.

My people, as you have again conferred the leadership mandate on me under recent difficult circumstances, I promise to heal the wounds, unite the people and uphold equity and fairness. Our administration will be all inclusive and attentive to criticisms in our bid to strengthen state development.

We will build on our achievements on state infrastructure, digital economy, sports development, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare expansion. The youth, women and students will continue to receive special attention. We will expand industrialisation within the scope of workers’ welfare. Our state will witness particular attention to rural integrated development alongside a renewed focus on ease of doing business. We will focus more on creating wealth and deepening anti- poverty initiatives.

We will continue to implement our renewed five point agenda within the compass of due process, procurement regulations and project implementation best practices. We will further refine the adoption of the local content model while expanding financial inclusion through cooperative sector financing.

As we celebrate the anniversary of the creation of our dear state, I urge all residents to be law abiding and avoid violence. We must not engage in reprisal attacks. Our administration is setting up a Commission of Inquiry on election violence. The body will take memorandum from all victims and residents who are affected by recent electoral violence. This initiative is to identify the causes and remedies and proffer ways to stop such recurrence in the future.

Our administration has also set up an election victim compensation fund headed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun. This initiative is to cushion the effect of the recent needless violence.

On this anniversary day, we have a lot to be proud of despite our challenges. I seek your continued cooperation to further deliver good governance. I will work harder never to disappoint you, the great people of Osun state.

Happy Anniversary celebrations
Long live Osun State
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

BUNMI JENYO CONGRATULATES GOVERNOR ADELEKE, APPRECIATES GOD, OSUN PEOPLE

The Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Dr. Bunmi Jenyo has congratulated the validly elected Governor in the just concluded Osun State Governorship Election, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke who has just been returned elected for the second term in office.

The Commissioner who attributed the landslide victory to the Almighty GOD, said the feat could not have been achieved without the workings and interference of GOD.

This was contained in a congratulatory message by the Commissioner, which was made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Tuesday.

The Ila-Orangun born politician also congratulated the people of Osun State for achieving the desire of their hearts through the ballot, despite the vote-buying, shenanigans, violence, intimidation, harassment and antics of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), during the electioneering.

Dr. Jenyo who appreciated the masses for standing tall in protecting their votes, said the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke is a testament to people’s resolve to toe the path of light, truth and development against darkness, lies and propaganda of the APC.

He also applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and it’s Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole and all the Local Government Returning Officers across the State for the successful conduct of the election.

He saluted the courage of the Osun people for standing by the continuity Agenda of Governor Ademola Adeleke and prayed for more wisdom, strength and enablement to do greater exploits in the forthcoming administration.

“Congratulations to the talk-and-do Governor, the Imole and the bulldozer, Asiwaju Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke. Osun has spoken, standing solidly behind your continuity in office till 2030. May GOD give you strength, more wisdom and excellence spirit for the delivery of many more democracy dividends, Amen”.
Congratulations to Osun State, Congratulations to Nigeria’s democracy”, the Commissioner said.

Signed:
Rev. Bunmi Jenyo Ph.D
Honourable Commissioner,
Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
Osun State
18th August, 2026.

TICC QUESTIONS UNOFFICIAL PRESENCE OF EBONYI REC, PAULINE UGOYENKA, IN OSUN

● REJECTS UNCUSTOMISED BALLOT PAPERS AND RESULTS SHEETS

The Imole Campaign Council has raised alarm over disturbing developments ahead of the August 15 governorship election, particularly the alleged deployment of uncustomised ballot papers and result sheets and the reported unofficial presence of the Ebonyi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Pauline Ugoyenka, in Osun.

Mrs Ugoyenka, an ICT expert and a close confidant of Governor Hope Uzodinma, was not not on the list of Resident Electoral Commissioner deployed to Osun state but she is now presently lodged at Tees Continental Hotel, Laro Timileyin Street, Ayekale Osogbo.

Credible reports indicated that she was brought in and previously lodged at Aenon Suites where alleged hackers brought by APC from Lagos and Abuja are staying as part of a rigging plot.

The INEC letter dated August 3, 2026, addressed to RECs from 15 contributing states, clearly identifies the officials and states providing supervision contingents for Osun. Ebonyi State is conspicuously absent from the list.

So, who authorised Mrs Pauline Ugoyenka’s presence in Osun, and what exactly is she doing here?

This is an election, not a covert operation. INEC must immediately explain her role, authority and activities in Osun and publish the full list of all officials deployed for the election.

We call the attention of the National Chairman of INEC to this ugly development where a REC choses to leave her place of posting for an hatchet job in another geo-political zone.

We demand immediate exit of the Ebonyi REC as she was not posted here for any official duties and her presence constitutes grave danger to the electoral health of Osun people.

We also seek immediate clarification from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on why electoral materials meant specifically for the Osun governorship election would not be duly customised.

Accord will not accept any arrangement capable of compromising the integrity, transparency or credibility of the August 15 election.

We therefore demand immediate clarification from INEC and insist that only properly customised ballot papers and result sheets specifically produced and verified for the Osun governorship election must be used.

Anything short of this raises serious questions about the credibility of the process and will be firmly resisted.

Signed:
Representative Bamidele Salam,
Chairman,
Media and Publicity Committee,
The Imole Campaign Council.

OSUN 2026: BOOT PARTY CANDIDATE, ADESOJI MASILO, TASKS INEC TO TRACK ELECTION MATERIALS FROM CBN TO EACH POLLING UNIT

The governorship candidate of the Because Of Our Tomorrow (BOOT) party, Ambassador Hon. Prince Auct. Adesoji Masilo Adeleke has tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to introduce real-time tracking of election materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to their different locations across Osun State.

The assertion was made in Osogbo, the State Capital on Tuesday to alert the electoral umpire of the sanctity of the credibility of the forthcoming polls on Saturday.

In an exclusive interview with the National Chairman of the party, Sonny Adenuga recently, issues were raised concerning the development, excerpts:

Osun Governorship Election: BOOT Party Urges INEC to Introduce Real-Time Tracking of Election Materials and Establish an Electoral Logistics Corps (ELC)

INEC Has Strengthened the Electoral Process — Now Strengthen Logistics Accountability
The BOOT Party has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen election logistics by ensuring that every vehicle transporting sensitive election materials and electoral personnel is continuously traceable in real time from departure to destination during the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election on 15 August 2026 and the 2027 General Elections.

INEC has made important advances in Nigeria’s electoral process through BVAS, electronic accreditation and improvements in result management. But electoral integrity does not begin and end at the polling unit or with the counting of votes.

The next frontier is logistics accountability.

The BOOT Party therefore proposes two complementary measures:

Mandatory real-time tracking of vehicles transporting election personnel and sensitive materials; and
The establishment of an Electoral Logistics Corps (ELC) within INEC’s operational framework.
The immediate measure can strengthen accountability now. The ELC would provide the long-term institutional solution.

Why Real-Time Logistics Tracking Matters in Osun
Osun has demonstrated how competitive governorship elections can be.

In the 2018 Osun governorship election, Gboyega Oyetola received 255,505 votes while Ademola Adeleke received 255,023 votes, giving Oyetola a margin of only 482 votes after the supplementary election.

In 2022, Ademola Adeleke defeated Gboyega Oyetola by 28,344 votes, receiving 403,371 votes against Oyetola’s 375,027 votes.

These results demonstrate that Osun can produce closely contested elections in which relatively small differences in voter participation can matter.

A delay affecting one polling unit may have little significance on its own. But unexplained or repeated delays across multiple polling units can affect when voting begins, how long voters have to participate and whether election officials and sensitive materials arrive as planned.

This does not mean that every delay is electoral manipulation. It means that every significant delay should be traceable, explainable and auditable.

Election Manipulation Goes Beyond Ballot-Box Snatching
Electoral malpractice is not limited to ballot-box snatching, multiple voting or interference with ballot counting.

Potential vulnerabilities can also arise through deliberate obstruction, unexplained logistical delays, diversion from planned routes, unauthorised stops, delayed deployment of election officials, late delivery of sensitive materials or other disruptions that affect the ability of voters to participate.

The existence of a delay, diversion or breakdown does not by itself establish wrongdoing.

The problem arises when there is no reliable record showing what happened, where it happened, when it happened and why it happened.

That is the accountability gap that technology can help close.

From “Trust Us” to “Show Us the Evidence”
INEC already has logistics-management and monitoring arrangements, and the Commission has previously used technology to support election logistics.

The BOOT Party is not proposing that INEC start from scratch.

Rather, INEC should strengthen its existing arrangements by making vehicle-level, real-time visibility a standard requirement for the movement of sensitive election materials and electoral personnel.

Every designated vehicle should have a verifiable digital trail showing:

This would transform logistics monitoring from a largely retrospective exercise into real-time operational accountability.

The Immediate Safeguard: Real-Time Vehicle Tracking
For the Osun election and other elections where appropriate technology is not already providing sufficient coverage, INEC should require every designated vehicle to be continuously trackable throughout its assigned journey.

Where existing INEC systems provide this capability, those systems should remain the primary platform.

Where a supplementary mechanism is required, simple tools such as WhatsApp Live Location could provide an additional layer of visibility for authorised INEC supervisors.

The driver and designated INEC official could activate live location before departure and share it with an authorised monitoring account.

The objective is not to replace INEC’s existing technology.

It is to ensure that no vehicle carrying sensitive election materials becomes operationally invisible between departure and destination.

Significant route deviations, prolonged unexplained stops, communication interruptions or late arrivals should trigger appropriate verification and documentation.

The Long-Term Solution: An Electoral Logistics Corps
The BOOT Party believes that Nigeria should move beyond an election-by-election approach to electoral transportation. Election logistics is too important to depend primarily on temporary transportation arrangements assembled for each election.

We therefore propose the establishment of an Electoral Logistics Corps (ELC) within INEC’s operational framework as a permanent, professionally managed and INEC-controlled electoral logistics function.

The ELC would be responsible for the end-to-end management, coordination and oversight of electoral logistics, including:

The ELC would provide direct operational control and accountability to INEC, while allowing the Commission to leverage private-sector capacity where appropriate.

INEC would not necessarily need to own all the vehicles. Instead, the Commission could establish a panel of professionally managed fleet companies through transparent, competitive and strictly regulated multi-year framework agreements.

These contracted fleet operators would provide vehicles and drivers in accordance with INEC’s defined operational standards, including real-time tracking, designated routes, communication requirements, vehicle identification, delivery confirmation and auditable journey records.

This model would give INEC the advantages of commercial fleet capacity without surrendering operational control.

The distinction is important: the vehicles may be privately provided, but the logistics operation must remain under INEC’s control.

The ELC would therefore become the permanent institutional mechanism through which INEC plans, coordinates, monitors and audits the movement of electoral personnel and sensitive materials before, during and after elections.

Nigeria needs an electoral logistics system that is professional, technology-enabled, continuously monitored and directly accountable to INEC—not a temporary transportation arrangement recreated for every election.

The Transportation Union Challenge
INEC’s current logistics arrangements rely significantly on transportation associations and the cooperation of major transport unions to provide vehicles.

Such arrangements can provide access to a large pool of vehicles, but they can also create challenges around consistency, accountability, operational control and standardisation.

The interests and operating structures of transportation organisations do not necessarily align completely with INEC’s requirements for a tightly controlled election-day logistics operation.

A professional Electoral Logistics Corps would allow INEC to set the operational standards while contracted fleet operators simply provide capacity under clearly defined obligations.

From Real-Time Monitoring to Post-Election Audit
Real-time tracking should not end when the election ends.

INEC should retain appropriate logistics records as part of a structured post-election logistics audit.

These records could help answer critical questions:

This evidence would allow INEC to distinguish genuine operational difficulties from unexplained failures or potential misconduct.

It would also allow the Commission to identify recurring logistical weaknesses and correct them before the next election.

Protect the Voter Before Protecting the Ballot
Electoral integrity begins before the voter reaches the polling unit.

Protecting the ballot is essential. But so is ensuring that the polling unit opens on time, election officials arrive as scheduled and sensitive materials reach their destinations securely and within the required timeframe.

The BOOT Party therefore urges INEC to make real-time logistics accountability a core component of election management, beginning with Osun and developing it into a permanent national standard.

The immediate priority should be clear:

Track every designated vehicle. Record every significant deviation. Explain every significant delay. Audit every journey.

The long-term solution should be equally clear:

Establish an Electoral Logistics Corps capable of delivering professional, technology-enabled and accountable election logistics across Nigeria.

VOTE AND DEFEND YOUR VOTES, GOVERNOR ADELEKE CHARGES OSUN RESIDENTS

● RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT OF ORIADE MONARCHS, CITIZENS

Governor Ademola Adeleke today again charged Osun voters to vote and defend their votes in the spirit of democracy and national constitution.

He gave the admonition at the palaces of Monarchs of Ipetu-Ijesha and Ijebu Ijesha as he rallied support for re-election alongside his cousin, David Adeleke a.k.a Davido at a massively attended rally at Ijebujesha.

Accompanied by top leaders of the Imole Campaign Council, the governor tasked Osun voters to demonstrate boldness and determination to exercise their voting rights as guaranteed by the constitution, declaring that “no force can deny Osun voters their democratic rights”

Re-echoing Davido who also challenged Osun residents to vote and defend their votes, the governor said free and fair elections are the inalienable rights of Osun people and “they are ready to protect and affirm those rights on August 15th”

At the palace of Ajalaye of Ipetujesa, Oba Adeleke Oke, the Monarch eulogised the governor for his extraordinary performance in the last four years, assuring the Accord team of total support of his people on August 15th.

The royal father for Ijebu-Jesa while welcoming the governor hosted a victory prayer session where interfaith activities for the triumph of Accord over opposition forces were conducted.

“You will win the second term and you will deliver even more than you have done in your first term. My people are eager to continue to be part of a good turn of events in the state” the royal father submitted.

At an electrifying campaign rally at both Ipetu-Ijesha and Ijebu-Jesa, Governor Adeleke declared that victory was at hand and pressed the people to expand mobilisation for continuity.

“Your security is assured. Your safety is guaranteed. Mobilise your relatives and friends. Vote for good governance and more dividends of democracy.

“Ijesa people, Osun people cannot be scared. We are people of courage. Vote and defend your votes”, the governor told a mammoth crowd of supporters at both Ipetu-Ijesha and Ijebu-Jesa.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor .

NEPZA COMMENDS GOVERNOR ADELEKE, INSPECTS OSUN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Abuja has commended the Osun State Governor, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke for his giant strides in the economic transformation of the State.

This commendation was made on Tuesday during a meeting with the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Dr. Bunmi Jenyo, with his Management Team in his office at the Government Secretariat.

Led by the Acting Director, Projects and Procurement, Mr. Dele Alabi, NEPZA’s Team was on a working visit to Osun State to review developments at the Osun Special Economic Zone located at Otagere, in Ede North Local Government area of the State.

The visit formed part of NEPZA’s nationwide assessment of Special Economic Zones to ensure compliance with Federal Standards and accelerate effective take-off of the project.

While speaking, Dr. Jenyo emphasised that the Osun State Government under Governor Ademola Adeleke is fully committed to the industrial and economic transformation of Osun State.

According to the Commissioner, “from the commencement of this administration, His Excellency, Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has processed the Certificate of Occupancy in the name of the Zone to secure government’s interest, and to attract investors across the globe that Osun is open for business”.

He added that the establishment of the Zone aligned with Governor Adeleke’s administration’s agenda to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), create jobs and boost non-oil exports from Osun State.

The leader of the NEPZA delegation noted that there were eight (8) Special Economic Zones across the country, and Osun is one of the beneficiaries. He therefore commended the State government for the early steps taken, particularly provision of land and the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy, describing them as critical tools to attracting investors.

After the meeting of NEPZA and the Management Team of the Ministry, officers of NEPZA from Abuja and the Management team of the Ministry proceeded to Otagere Town, Ede North Local Government Area for an on-site inspection of the 200 Hectares’ Special Economic Zone, facilitated by the Federal Government.

During the inspection visit, it was observed that the Entry and Exit Gatehouses of the Zone are yet to be completed, while construction work on the perimeter fencing has been completed.

The NEPZA Team Lead noted that with what he saw at the site, the Osun State Economic Zone project is making a commendable progress. The construction of the two Gatehouses that is ongoing will soon be completed.

The Osun Special Economic Zone at Otagere, Ede is projected to host manufacturing, agro-processing, and logistics Firms, and is expected to serve as a hub for export-oriented businesses in the South-Western axis of Nigeria.

Both NEPZA and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Osun State agreed on the need to fast-track work on the development of the zone so that it could be completed on time.

IGNORE THREATS, TROOP OUT TO VOTE ACCORD ON AUGUST 15TH –GOV ADELEKE CHARGES OSUN VOTERS

Governor Ademola Adeleke has charged Osun residents and voters to ignore threats from the Osun APC and troop out en masse to vote for his re-election on August 15th.

Addressing a fully attended church service of the Winners Church at Osogbo this Sunday morning, the governor accused Marine Minister, Gboyega Oyetola; APC Candidate, Bola Oyebamiji; Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi and Hon. Wole Oke of unleashing violence on Osun people because the people have rejected them.

“Because the people have rejected them, because voters have endorsed me, because defeat stared them in the face, they resorted to violence. We are not scared. Osun people are not afraid.

“August 15, Osun people will show agents of violence that we are not cowards. Our people’s safety is guaranteed. Come out and vote. Punish those killing and maiming our people by voting against them on August 15th.

“We are not scared of Osun APC. We have the capacities and the strengths. But we care for the safety of our people. My primary goal is the protection and safety of my people. My people, come out and vote your conscience”, the governor tasked the congregation.

Governor Adeleke who declared that God gives power to whom He wills said his achievements in office overwhelmed Oyebamiji and Osun APC, narrating that “our achievements in workers welfare, health, education, infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors speaks for us.

“I will be victorious against Mr Oyebamiji and Osun APC on August 15. We represent the light and we shall overcome darkness. Osun people must rise and they are rising. We must and we are fighting for our rights to vote and be voted for”, the governor noted.

The resident pastor, the Winners’ Chapel, Pastor Adekunle Oluseyi had earlier declared the month and the service the reign and shower of blessings, praying to God to bless the governor and grant him wisdom to continue to pilot the affairs of the state.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

GUBER POLLS: SAVE OSUN FROM IMPENDING POLICE-INDUCED GENOCIDE — GOVERNOR ADELEKE

Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed to the Abdulsallam-led National Peace Committee to save Osun state from impending police-induced genocide ahead of Osun governorship elections.

Addressing the peace forum chaired by former Chief of Army Staff, Martins Agwai in company of Bishop Kukah and Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the governor raised alarm about systematic plot to kill, maim and incarcerate Osun Accord leaders through an unholy alliance between Osun APC thugs and the state police command.

Echoing the warning against political violence by the Ooni of Ife, Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and the electoral commission chairman, Prof Amupitan, Governor Adeleke decried current concerted push to eliminate Accord party leaders, urging “our peace leaders to stop a progression towards genocide.

“I should have boycotted this peace meeting because of the violence unleashed on Osun State in the last few months, on the directive of Gboyega Oyetola. However, my presence is due to my very deep respect for our peace leaders here present.

“Our gathering is to endorse peace but my government and people are facing police sanctioned violence and intimidation. War is being waged actively against my people by Osun APC openly supported by the Osun state police Command.

“In the last three months, we have lost eight party members with more than 20 injured in gun attacks. There is no single prosecution or active arrest till date. The perpetrators are known Osun APC thugs with crimes committed in the presence of the police. Video evidence is everywhere on the internet.

“Top government officials are being harassed and intimidated. More than 60 Accord leaders have been arrested and moved to Abuja, and remanded in Abuja prisons and Nassarawa State prisons,

“This is supposed to be a democracy, where the police uphold the rule of law. Under which law can a state police commissioner take instructions from Mr Gboyega Oyetola to arrest Accord Party members in Osun State and move them to Abuja and be held in prisons without any charge?

“Why Abuja? We have both the Federal High Court and State high courts in Osun State, where anyone can be arraigned.

“I ask the Peace Committee to prevail upon the Inspector General of Police to return everyone in police custody. Those remanded in prisons should be returned to Osun State, and be charged to Courts in Osun State, if the police can show that they have committed any crime.

“There is an active plot to kill and maim Osun people before, during and after Osun elections. Our dear peace leaders, there is a active progression towards genocide in Osun state.

“We seek that you interface with Mr President to stop the Marine Minister, Gboyega Oyetola, the Osun APC and the Osun Police Commissioner from unleashing further violence on Osun people.

“We call on the police authorities to emulate other security agencies which have been very professional. Police must be impartial like other security agencies.

“We seek free and fair polls where peoples’ will should be supreme. Our people will severely resist rigging in all forms”, the governor noted

While commending Accord members and Osun people for not retaliating or resorting to self help, the governor said “This is not out of weakness but due to our firm belief in rule of law.

“Our request is for impartial policing, a fair and just electoral commission and supremacy of voters’ will at the polls”, the governor told the stakeholders which include politicians, civil society members and top security personnel.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

ENSURE FREE AND FAIR ELECTION IN OSUN, NATIONAL CHRISTIAN COALITION CHARGES PRESIDENT TINUBU

A national christian coalition, the Missionaries and Pastors Organisation (MPO) has charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure free and fair election in the Osun governorship election, tasking the president to truly act as the father of all.

Speaking at a prayer session and courtesy visit by the coalition comprising of pastors, clerics and prophets of God today at the Government House, the National President of the MPO, Prophet Emmanuel Stephen told the President to show direct interest in Osun guber election, warning that violence and election rigging should never be allowed.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu to act to save democracy. Osun is a test case for this democracy. Mr President should instruct stakeholders to allow the will of the people to prevail. This is the way for the President to show the whole world that he is truly the father of all.

“Democracy is about the right of the people to vote and be voted for. It is not about violence. We condemn political violence, people should be free to decide who they want as their leader”, the national.president posited.

Both the National President and the Osun State coordinator also conveyed its unanimous adoption of Governor Adeleke for re-election during the August 15 election.

According to the state coordinator, Pastor Moses Oyediran, the decision was taken by all its 30 local government chapters after reviewing the performance of the governor in office in the last four or so years.

“After wide consultation, and seeing what God has used Governor Adeleke to deliver in Osun state, we have deemed it fit that the only option is to have continuity of light in Osun state.

“We as an organisation have decided to support this light to continue. As a result, we will support in prayers, mobilise people and vote for the governor for his second term in office.

“We hereby declare today that we have endorsed Mr Governor for his second term in office. Light will continue to spread across Osun state”, the state coordinator stated.

Governor Adeleke in his response expressed appreciation to the clerics for their faith and trust in him, promising not to let them down.

“I thank you for endorsing light. I will deliver more in my second term by God’s grace”, the governor promised.

The clerics later prayed for peace and victory before, during and after the election.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.