Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged residents of the state to turn out for the August 15 governorship election, exercise their franchise and protect their votes.
According to The Punch, Adeleke made the call on Friday during separate visits to the palaces of the Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesha, Oba Adeleke Oke, and the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, where he sought support for his re-election bid.
The governor was accompanied by members of the Imole Campaign Council, as well as his cousin and Afrobeats singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke urged the electorate to be courageous and determined in exercising their constitutional right to vote.
He maintained that no individual or group should be allowed to prevent the people from freely participating in the electoral process.
Reiterating an earlier call by Davido for residents to vote and defend their ballots, Adeleke said free and fair elections remained an inalienable right of the people of Osun.
The governor said, “no force can deny Osun voters their democratic rights.”
At the palace of the Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesha, Oba Adeleke Oke commended the governor for what he described as his impressive performance during his first term and pledged the support of his people for the Accord candidate.
The monarch also hosted a victory prayer session involving interfaith representatives, seeking divine support for the governor and his party ahead of the election.
“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 monarch said.
Addressing supporters at campaign rallies in Ipetu-Ijesha and Ijebu-Jesa, Adeleke expressed confidence in victory and called for increased mobilisation ahead of the poll.
He assured residents of adequate security and urged them to encourage their relatives and friends to participate in the election.
“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 his supporters at both Ipetu-Ijesha and Ijebu-Jesa.
