Osun Tribunal Verdict: I’m Still In Charge, Can’t Be Intimidated – Gov. Oyetola

The Osun State governor, Gboyega Oyetola has said that he would not be intimidated by the verdict of the governorship election petition tribunal on Friday, in which the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ademola Adeleke was declared winner.

He said he remains the governor of the state, saying his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has resolved to challenge the judgement of the tribunal at the Appeal Court, as he expressed confidence of getting victory at the appellate court.

Oyetola made the declaration on Saturday, while playing host to an amalgam of party faithful who besieged the Osun State government house in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on a solidarity visit.

He explained to the gathering that scores of legal luminaries were assembled to study the judgement immediately it was delivered, adding that the position of the legal experts gives major hope.

The governor described the verdict as a challenge of leadership in the same way many leaders of old experienced tribulation, saying it would turn out to be light after the tunnel.

Oyetola however said the verdict has provided an opportunity for “those who want to dance to exhibit their dancing skill”.

” For us, this is a moment of sober reflection and an opportunity to come together and become more united in our quest to make a difference in governance.

“I want to tell you that I am not afraid by this verdict, we are all convinced that we have a good case and position of our legal team has confirmed that so, there is no cause for panic.

” If our revered prophets like Mohammed and Jesus Christ could witness such persecution and eventually came out unruffled, obviously this our challenge is ephemeral.

“I want to assure you that I am still in charge, no court removes me. I have directed security agencies to continue to maintain law and order, and deal with whoever tries to unnecessarily heat up the polity,” he said.