Gboyega Oyetola, the departing governor of Osun state, has vowed to return to that position in the future.
Oyetola expressed confidence that the Ademola Adeleke administration would be brief because he would take back control of the state’s executive branch through legal channels.
As his four-year term ends on November 27, 2022, Oyetola made this statement in his handover note, which he released on Sunday to bid the state farewell.
He noted that the Osun governorship election result that produced Governor Ademola Adeleke of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, who was sworn in, was still being contested in court and announced that he would be stepping away as a law-abiding citizen.
Oyetola added that he was eager to resume leading Osun because he believed the court will rule in his favour.
His statement says:
“As I step aside today (Sunday) following the conclusion of the four-year tenure you freely gave me, I thank God and I thank you for your support, cooperation and prayers over the years.
“I recall how the journey began four years ago; how by your belief in me and your conviction in the plans and programmes of our Party, you exercised your right to vote for me.
“Motivated by God’s promise, my conviction, we promised that we would serve you with steady heart and hands. We promised that we would hit the ground running once we assume office.
“We gave our words that we would put you first and run a people-centred government. We pledged to uphold the best ideals befitting of an Omoluabi.
“As we draw the curtain on this first tenure, we are convinced that we neither reneged on our promises nor disappointed you.
“We kept faith with you and maintained fidelity with our electoral promises. It was our wish to continue to serve you but we are constrained by the outcome of the July 16 governorship election which we are already challenging in court.
“As a law-abiding citizen and government, we are stepping aside to allow the law take its course.”
However, we look forward to continue to serve you in no distant future. We have absolute trust in God that we shall be back soon, as we have implicit trust and confidence in the judiciary to do justice in the case before it.
We are confident that this period of temporary political eclipse shall pass. The sun shall shine again, brighter and warmer and the sustainable development and participatory governance that we enthroned, which have been applauded by local and international organisations, shall be restored and put on a surer and better footing
There can be no substitute to people-oriented and development savvy governance in a democracy. The tap roots of the unprecedented good governance, inclusive and participatory governance that we introduced, which delivered massive equitable projects and programmes are too strong to be uprooted.
My Dear good people of Osun, I cannot thank you enough for not only supporting us throughout our tenure but for also standing by us even after the outcome of the July 16 election. Your goodwill encouraged us to continue with all our projects till the last day.
On behalf of our team, I appeal to you all to continue to be law abiding and to work assiduously to build the Osun of our dream.
Together, we shall continue to mend the broken walls of our dear state and restore her glory for our collective good and that of posterity.
Thank you all and may God continue to bless Osun