Adeleke to Oyebamiji: You Should Be the One to Congratulate Me

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has said his major challenger in the just-concluded governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, APC, should be the one to call and congratulate him on his victory.

Adeleke made the statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared him the winner of the election.

Asked whether he would reach out to Oyebamiji, Adeleke said the responsibility should fall on the APC candidate if he wanted to demonstrate political civility.

“I am not the one who should reach out to him now because I am the one who won the election and I have been declared the winner.

“If he wants to be civilised, he is the one who should call me and say congratulations,” Adeleke said.

Despite his position, the governor extended an invitation to Oyebamiji to work with his administration and contribute ideas that could benefit Osun State.

“But at this moment, I am taking this opportunity on national television to extend my hand of fellowship and invite him to come forward and discuss with me.

“If you have any ideas, please share them and I will consider them. If the idea is beneficial, I will be eager to implement it; the priority is Osun State,” he added.

Adeleke also said his administration would work towards addressing the political divisions that emerged during the election campaign.

The governor disclosed plans to establish a reconciliation committee that would bring together political opponents and other stakeholders to work towards the development of the state.

“I will set up a reconciliation committee aimed at uniting the people of Osun. I will extend invitations to our opponents; if you have any suggestions, please present them so that we can collaborate and enhance Osun’s greatness,” Adeleke said.

Adeleke was declared winner of the election after polling 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji secured 444,815 votes.