Osun: Adeleke rejects tribunal verdict that removes him, heads to appeal court

The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke has described the judgement of the governorship tribunal as “a miscarriage of justice”, vowing to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The tribunal sitting in Osogbo had early on Friday sacked Adeleke as the duly elected governor of the state.

The tribunal, in a split decision of two to one declared that the Independent National Electoral Commission, should withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Adeleke and issue the same to former governor Adegboyega Oyetola

The majority judgement which was read by the Chairman, Justice Tertse Kume said Oyetola scored the majority lawful votes of 314,931 against Adeleke’s 219,666.

But in a swift statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke rejected the tribunal verdict.

Adeleke faulted the resolution of the over-voting question in favour of Mr Oyetola, calling it ” an unfair interpretation against the will of majority of voters”

While urging his supporters to remain calm, Governor Adeleke vowed to appeal the judgement at the Court of Appeal, insisting he remained the rightful winner of the July 16 election.

“I call on our people to remain calm. We will appeal the judgement and we are sure justice will be done. Let our people be reassured that we will do everything possible to retain this widely acclaimed mandate”, Adeleke said.