Afenifere urges Adeleke to honour Osun mandate

Abimbola Joseph

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, urging him to treat the mandate as a responsibility to the people rather than a political prize.

In a statement issued by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, the group said the outcome of the Osun governorship election reflected the will of the electorate and should be respected.

Afenifere also commended Osun voters for their commitment to democracy and the peaceful exercise of their franchise.

Omololu urged Adeleke to approach his renewed mandate with humility and a strong sense of responsibility, calling on him to govern inclusively and place the public interest above partisan considerations.

“The mandate is not a political trophy, but a solemn covenant with the entire people of Osun State,” he said.

The group also praised President Bola Tinubu for congratulating Adeleke despite the defeat of the candidate of his All Progressives Congress in the election.

Afenifere described the gesture as an important demonstration of democratic maturity, arguing that political rivalry should not override the broader interests of the country.

It said the President’s response should serve as an example to political leaders, stressing that electoral contests should end with acceptance of the people’s verdict rather than trigger vendettas or institutional hostility.

“Political fortunes are transient; democratic institutions and national cohesion must endure,” Omololu added.

Afenifere congratulated the people of Osun on what he described as their democratic vigilance and wished Adeleke wisdom and courage as he begins another term in office.