Osun LG Election: Oyetola Charges New Officials On Duties

The Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has charged the newly elected local government officials to hit the ground running and to be magnanimous in victory.

Oyetola made this known on Monday during the inauguration of the elected Council Chairmen into all the 69 Local Government Areas, Local Council Development Areas, Area Councils and Area Offices in the State.

The inauguration is coming after the local government council election conducted in Saturday, October 15, 2022, by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC).

OSIEC also on Sunday, October 16, 2022, issued Certificates Of Return to the victorious candidates.

During the election which was a yes or no ballot, only one political party signified interest in contesting.

This is even as the Governor tasked them to hit the ground running by providing adequate, quality and equitable services on a consistent basis. 

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) had on Saturday October 15, 2022, conducted the local government election across the state.

Oyetola, while inaugurating the newly- elected Chairmen, stated that the journey to the election was a long and worthwhile one.

He noted that the delay in the conduct of the election was as a result of plethora of socioeconomic and political uncertainties.

"The local government election could not come earlier considering the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences on governance.

"The pandemic was a major setback in the pace of governance for several months.

"The Caretaker Committee was therefore, a child of necessity for getting the political equation right once and for all.

"So, today, our State has now aligned with the practice in other states of the Federation regarding the presidential system of government at the local government level.

"Following the successful conclusion of the debate and the passage of the relevant bill into law, our administration swung into action by conducting the local government election that produced the elected local chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors-elect. 

"The swearing-in today of the elected chairmen and vice chairmen signalled the end of the service of those appointed into caretaker committees at the Local Government levels across the State.

"The Government is appreciative of their services to the State.

"The successful and peaceful resolutions of the issues after robust debates and legislation are a tribute to the resilience of our people and their readiness to go the whole hog to embrace due process and the rule of law no matter the mileage.

"I deeply appreciate our people for their understanding and love for democracy and good governance, which have not only produced a strong and sustainable platform but have also delivered a peaceful and credible election of elected representatives.

"With the passage of the relevant law and today’s inauguration, Osun is fully back to the Presidential System recognised by the Constitution of the nation and its benefits at the Council level", he said.

Oyetola charged the newly-inaugurated council Chairmen to be magnanimous in victory adding that it was incumbent on them to take a cue from his government’s penchant for prompt and proactive service delivery.

"You have all engaged in political contests and won the mandates of your people.

"You must reciprocate the gestures of the people by fulfilling your promises to them.

"This is a duty to the people, our party, democracy and good governance that must be fulfilled.

"You have a huge responsibility to allow your achievements prove to the people that they have more to benefit from Presidential System at the Council level.

"You are the book the people are reading to be convinced that, indeed, the time spent on the debate over the better form of government at the council level was worthwhile.

"I charge you all to be magnanimous in victory by extending hands of fellowship to your political opponents.

"It is the best way to harness our resources and our shared values for our collective good.  

"You must be fair, just and reasonable in all your dealings, decisions and interactions with the people in accordance with your Oath of Office," he urged.