By John Dike, Osogbo
A former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election in the August 15, 2026 governorship election, urging him to use the renewed mandate to unite the state and deepen development.
Aregbesola, in a statement reacting to the outcome of the election, said the decision of the people of Osun through the ballot must be respected,
stressing that elections provide citizens with the opportunity to exercise their sovereign right to choose those entrusted with the responsibility of governing them.
He extended his best wishes to Adeleke as he prepares to commence another term in office, while noting that the task before the governor was now greater than the contest that had just ended.
According to him, Adeleke should regard the election outcome as a renewed mandate to unite Osun and govern with fairness, humility and a strong sense of responsibility to every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation.
“Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected.
I therefore extend my best wishes to Governor Adeleke as he prepares to commence another term in office,” he said.
Aregbesola also commended the people of Osun for their participation in the democratic process, describing the election as another opportunity for citizens to determine the direction of governance in the state.
He urged politicians and stakeholders to respect the outcome of the election and place the overall interest of Osun above partisan considerations.
The former governor said the conclusion of the election should mark the beginning of a new phase in the state, with attention shifting from political competition to governance, development and the welfare of the people.
He charged Adeleke to see the renewed mandate as a responsibility to all residents of the state and not only those who supported his re-election.
The former governor’s statement came as congratulatory messages continued to pour in for Adeleke following his victory in the governorship poll.
Adeleke was declared winner of the election after defeating his major challenger, the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
Aregbesola’s call for unity comes against the backdrop of a keenly contested election that generated significant political activities and heightened tensions across the state before and during the poll.
He maintained that the people’s decision at the election must be respected, stressing that the strength of democracy lies in the ability of citizens to freely choose their leaders and for political actors to accept the outcome in the interest of peace and stability.
The former governor further urged the re-elected governor to govern with humility and fairness, saying the new administration should ensure that every citizen benefits from the dividends of democracy regardless of political affiliation.
He expressed confidence that Osun could make greater progress if political differences were subordinated to the collective interest of the state.
Aregbesola’s message effectively shifted attention from the electioneering contest to the responsibilities that come with the renewed mandate, urging the governor to focus on governance, development and the unity of Osun State.
