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The November 16, 2024, Ondo State Gubernatorial Election has been commended for its transparency and credibility, earning recognition as a benchmark for democratic progress in Nigeria.

Speaking with our correspondent following the declaration of results, Prince Lawson Akintokun, a respected legal expert in electoral matters, advised Mr. Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, against contesting the outcome at the Election Petition Tribunal.

Akintokun lauded the election process, citing global acknowledgment of its fairness, from the distribution of materials to the final announcement of results. He stressed that there appears to be no substantial basis for legal challenges, advocating instead for a spirit of sportsmanship among the candidates who did not win.

Accepting the results in good faith, would foster political stability and allow the re-elected governor, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to focus on governance without undue distractions. He encouraged all stakeholders to prioritize the collective progress of Ondo State over personal or partisan interests.

Akintokun noted that the electoral commission’s adherence to best practices during the election has set a high standard for other states in Nigeria, reinforcing public confidence in the democratic process. He further remarked that the peaceful conduct of the polls and the overwhelming support from international observers are testament to the maturity of Nigeria’s democracy.

The legal expert also emphasized the importance of post-election reconciliation, urging candidates to unite in addressing the developmental challenges facing Ondo State. According to him, elections should not be seen as a do-or-die affair but as an opportunity for citizens to collectively chart the course of their state’s future.

Across the state, citizens and civil society groups have applauded the election’s perceived fairness, describing it as a turning point in reducing electoral disputes in Nigeria. Many have called on political leaders to embrace the will of the people, ensuring that the gains of democracy are not eroded by unnecessary litigations or political rivalry.

This peaceful transition has been widely celebrated as a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, underscoring the importance of unity, trust, and collaboration in fostering sustainable development. As His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Ayidatiwa begins his next term, all eyes are on him to consolidate the progress achieved and fulfill his campaign promises for the betterment of Ondo State.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State is set to mark the second anniversary of his administration with a series of events beginning Friday, November 22, with a Jumma’at service. The celebration will span three weeks and feature the commissioning of various completed projects, according to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Teslim Igbalaye.

Igbalaye, who chairs the anniversary committee, revealed during a press briefing that eminent figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, have been invited to commission key road projects executed by the Adeleke administration.

Accompanied by other committee members, including the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Igbalaye highlighted Governor Adeleke’s achievements in infrastructural development, asserting that his performance over two years has outpaced that of previous administrations.

Achievements to be Showcased
The SSG emphasized that the anniversary aims to showcase the administration’s accomplishments and ongoing projects rather than serve as a campaign for a second term. “This is not time to campaign. When the time for campaign comes, the performance of the governor will speak for itself,” he stated.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Mr. BT Salam, highlighted the ongoing construction of a flyover in Osogbo, which has cost the administration ₦10.8 billion. Salam assured the public of the government’s transparency in managing state funds, noting that all expenditures are open for public scrutiny.

The osun state Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Sesan Oyedele has stated that the development of the State will be greatly determined by the support of residents to the present administration through the payment of their taxes and levies.

The Commissioner stated this during a meeting with the executives of the Union of Tippers and Quarry Employers of Nigeria led by their Chairman, Alhaji Lawal Tijani at the State Secretariat.

Hon. Oyedele explained that the best economies of the world are doing well because residents and especially buisness owners don’t shy away from their civic responsibility which is regular payment of taxes and levies.

He explained that the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke has so much in the kitty for residents of the State but would need the support and cooperation of all and sundry.

The Commissioner said Governor Adeleke is determined to make their job easy for them, noting that the Chief Executive of the State is determined to fix more roads across the Osun.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Yakubu Adejare pointed out that the essence of the meeting is for government to be familiar with the tippers in the State.

He hinted that government has a lot of plans for them to make their job run more smoothly for the benefit of all, explaining that it can only be made possible through the new Ministry of Transportation.

Chairman of the Union of Tippers and Quarry Employers of Nigeria, Alhaji Lawal Tijani thanked the State government for coming up with the idea of the meeting, stressing that it will no doubt make things work better.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr Isiaka Yahaya in his address of welcome urged the tipper owners in the State to ensure strict compliance with all the rules and regulations guiding their job.