Wild jubilation erupted spontaneously across major parts of Osun State on Friday following the declaration by the state’s Election Petition Tribunal of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the September 22, 2018 governorship election in the state.
Earlier, the Tribunal which sat in Abuja had dismissed a preliminary objection against the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator Adeleke, challenging the outcome of the governorship election in the state.
The preliminary objection was filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate in the election, Governor Gboyega Oyetola, as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Following the judgement of the Tribunal, Adeleke’s supporters and well-wishers gathered at his residence to celebrate amid drumming and dancing.
Ede, his home town also went wild in celebration.
In her reaction, Adeleke’s sister, Mrs Dupe Adeleke, dedicated her brother’s victory to their late brother, Isiaka, a former governor of the state, who died in controversial circumstances.
She also commended the judiciary for its courage in adjudicating with fear of God, saying it was clear that the judiciary was functioning as it should.
“We are very happy for the judgment; we appreciate the people of Osun, especially Ede for their love, support and steadfastness,” Dupe said.
“Today’s judgement is an indication that the judiciary can save the nation from imminent trouble. I know my late brother would be very happy in the grave. I dedicate this victory to God and to my late brother.”
Also, many residents of Ile-Ife were in joyous mood as party faithful and residents trooped out in thousands to celebrate the victory.
PDP supporters were seen jubilating from Ilode to Enuwa, Iremo, Lagere, Mayfair, Iloro, Oka road in celebration of the judgement.
They were also seen in their large numbers moving to their party leaders’ residences to celebrate the party’s victory at the tribunal.
Mr Wale Ojo, PDP Ife/Ijesa Senatorial Leader, commended the judiciary for delivering a “truthful judgment, devoid of bias”.
Mr Rotimi Adeyenuwo, Ife Central PDP Leader, congratulated Adeleke and other party members for the victory.
Also in parts of Osogbo, the state capital, residents were seen jubilating over the declaration of Adeleke as the winner of the Osun governorship election.
There were shouts and songs of joy along Oke-fia, Lameko Junction and Dada Estate areas of the state capital.
Commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, were seen jubilating with various displays of their bikes and shouts of ” Imole,” Imole” Adeleke’s campaign slogan.
At Dada Estate area, also in Osogbo, residents trooped out with excitement on hearing the announcement of the tribunal’s judgment.
However, people of Fakunle, Olaiya, Egbeda, Baruwa and Ogo Oluwa areas of Osogbo carried on their business activities as if oblivious of the tribunal’s judgment.
Some shop owners and artisans were, however, seen in small gatherings discussing the tribunal judgment.
A tailor in the Egbeda area of Osogbo, who spoke under anonymity, said he and other tailors were happy about the judgement but could not express their joy or celebrate the victory because their landlord is an APC chieftain.
