Ile-Ife Delivers 75,758 Votes for Adeleke, Omisore Hails ‘Strong Vote of Confidence’

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The people of Ile-Ife have delivered a total of 75,758 votes in support of the re-election of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, with the result described as a strong demonstration of confidence in his leadership and development agenda.

The votes were recorded across the four local government areas that make up the Ife Federal Constituency, according to a statement issued by Bamikole Omisore, Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Relations.

The breakdown showed that Ife East recorded 27,201 votes, Ife Central 21,171 votes, Ife North 13,879 votes, while Ife South contributed 13,507 votes.

Omisore said the figures represented the collective decision of the people of Ile-Ife to support continuity, development and progress under the Adeleke administration.

“The people of Ile-Ife have demonstrated remarkable unity and purpose. The 75,758 votes delivered across the four zones represent a strong expression of confidence in Governor Adeleke’s leadership. This is not merely about numbers; it is a collective commitment to the development and progress of Ile-Ife and Osun State,” he said.

He particularly highlighted the performance of Ife East, noting that the local government moved from a deficit of 1,282 votes recorded in the 2022 election to 27,201 votes in the latest election.

According to him, the development represented a significant shift in the political landscape and reflected the mobilisation and commitment of residents across the local government.

“Ife East has demonstrated that political landscapes can change when people unite around a common purpose. Moving from a deficit of 1,282 votes in 2022 to 27,201 votes is a remarkable transformation,” Omisore said.

He added that the outcome showed the strength of the people’s collective decision and their determination to support what they believed would move the state forward.

Omisore also commended residents of Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South for their contributions to the overall result, saying the figures demonstrated broad-based support for the governor across the ancient city.

He said the support cut across different sections of society, including youths, students, traders, farmers, professionals, community leaders and other residents.

“Every section of Ile-Ife contributed to this historic outcome. From our young people and students to traders, farmers, professionals and community elders, everyone played an important role. The result is a reflection of what can be achieved when the people stand together with a shared vision,” he said.

The Special Adviser further acknowledged the contributions of political leaders, elders, mentors and community stakeholders whose efforts, he said, strengthened the mobilisation that produced the electoral outcome.

He specifically commended Professor Wale Oladipo and Prince Kola Adewusi, describing their leadership, guidance and commitment as instrumental to the success recorded across Ile-Ife.

“I must commend our political leaders, particularly Professor Wale Oladipo and His Excellency Prince Kola Adewusi. Their leadership, guidance and commitment were instrumental to the success recorded across Ile-Ife,” Omisore said.

He also praised the traditional institution in Ile-Ife for helping to maintain peace and stability during the electoral process.

Omisore acknowledged the leadership of the Ooni of Ife and other traditional authorities for encouraging peaceful participation and upholding democratic values throughout the election.

“The traditional institution played an important role in maintaining peace and stability. Under the leadership of His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, the traditional authorities continued to encourage peaceful participation,” he said.

While celebrating Ile-Ife’s contribution to the governor’s victory, Omisore stressed that Adeleke’s re-election was not the achievement of any single local government or community, but the product of efforts across Osun State.

“This victory does not belong to Ile-Ife alone. It belongs to every son and daughter of Osun State who believed in the vision and worked to deliver this mandate. From Ile-Ife to Osogbo, Ikire, Ilesa and other parts of the state, the people spoke through their votes,” he said.

Omisore described Ile-Ife as a strategically important electoral bloc in Osun politics, noting that its performance could significantly influence statewide electoral outcomes.

He, however, said the electoral mandate came with expectations from the people, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, economic opportunities, youth empowerment, education and public services.

“The people have spoken, and their mandate comes with expectations. They expect better infrastructure, economic opportunities, youth empowerment, improved education and stronger public services. The responsibility now is to translate this electoral support into tangible development that improves the lives of our people,” he said.

Omisore expressed optimism that the governor’s second term would bring increased attention to the development needs of Ile-Ife and other communities across the state.

He identified infrastructure, agriculture, education, employment, economic development and cultural preservation as areas that should continue to receive attention.

“I am confident that the second term will bring greater opportunities for Ile-Ife and Osun State. We look forward to transformative projects and policies that will improve infrastructure, empower our youths and strengthen our local economy,” he said.

He called on residents, political leaders and other stakeholders to remain united and support initiatives aimed at advancing the development of Ile-Ife and Osun State.

According to him, the conclusion of the election should mark the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between the government and the people, with emphasis on fulfilling campaign promises.

“The election is over, and the work of governance continues. We must now come together to turn the aspirations of our people into reality. The mandate belongs to the people, and our collective responsibility is to ensure that their confidence is rewarded with meaningful development,” Omisore said.

He expressed appreciation to the people of Ile-Ife for their support and urged them to remain committed to peace, unity and the development of the ancient city.

“To every son and daughter of Ile-Ife, I say thank you for standing together. You have demonstrated what unity, purpose and collective action can achieve. The journey continues, and together we can build an Ile-Ife and Osun State that future generations will be proud of,” Omisore concluded.