Tribunal Judgement Sparks Protest In Osogbo, Boluwaduro, Wild Jubilation In Iwo, Iragbiji

Following the verdict of the Election Petition Tribunal that declared former Governor Gboyega Oyetola as the winner of the July 16 gubernatorial election in Osun State, members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have taken to the streets of Osogbo, the state capital protesting against the decision of the tribunal.

The protesting members of the PDP and their supporters had embarked on protest thronging the major streets of the capital city in the early hours of Saturday, just as they expressed their displeasure over the verdict of the Election Petition Tribunal.

The Protesters mostly youths were seen burning tyres, obstructing free movements of Vehicles and leaving the public anxiety by demonstrating their wrath over the judgement.

Recall that the Election Petition Tribunal had yesterday declared Adegboyega Oyetola as the winner of the July 16 gubernatorial election.

Justice Tertsea Kume led panel had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Adeleke and subsequently issue another certificate of return to Oyetola as the validly elected Governor of the state.

It was however gathered that there was a protest in Ede, the hometown of Ademola Adeleke and Otan-Ayegbaju in Boluwaduro Local Government

Meanwhile, there was a wild jubilation in Iwo, Iwo Local Government and Iragbiji, the hometown of the former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

On Saturday it was gathered, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) thronged the major streets of Iwo in celebration of the victory of Oyetola at the tribunal.

One of the protesters in Osogbo, Semiu Abiodun, told our correspondent that the reason people came out is in solidarity with Governor Adeleke stating that it was obvious the tribunal judgment was manipulated.

He added that the judgement is dangerous to democracy and an indication that the votes of the people will not count, neither can true justice be served.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the international community to step in and ensure that such a judgment does not stand.

“We are out today because we are not happy with the tribunal judgement, it is obvious that APC manipulated it.

“This type of judgment is dangerous to our democracy. It means that our votes will not count and justice can not be served.

“We call on President Muhammadu Buhari, United Nations and other international community to step in, such judgment must not stand”, he said.