Published by Osasere Edomwonyi Ikpoba
In a remarkable display of political maturity that transcends party lines, billionaire businesswoman Apostle Folorunso Alakija and Senator Francis Fadahunsi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Osun East, have extended heartfelt congratulations to Governor Ademola Adeleke on his resounding re-election victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship poll. The congratulations, delivered on Friday, September 4, came nearly three weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke the winner, and they underscore the growing acceptance of the electoral outcome across the state's political spectrum.
Alakija, the immediate past Chancellor of Osun State University and one of Africa's most prominent philanthropists, described Adeleke's renewed mandate as a testament to the confidence and trust the people of Osun continue to repose in his leadership. In a congratulatory letter dated September 3 and addressed to the governor, Alakija expressed her joy and gratitude to God over what she termed the governor's "resounding victory" in the recent election. She noted that Adeleke's first-term commitment to the welfare, development, progress, and well-being of Osun and its people had not gone unnoticed, adding that his re-election affirmed the work already accomplished by his administration.
Alakija's message carried a note of encouragement tempered with a gentle reminder of the weight of public office. According to her, the renewed mandate also places a responsibility on the governor to deliver even greater service to the people of Osun. Her words resonated with a sense of shared hope for the state's future, reflecting her long-standing interest in Osun's development through her philanthropic contributions, including the donation of a 250-bed medical research hospital to the state university.
Senator Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, also extended his congratulations in a personally signed statement obtained in Osogbo on Friday. Despite belonging to the APC, the party that Adeleke defeated in the election, Fadahunsi described the governor's re-election as "well-deserved." His statement read: "Your Excellency, having won the confidence and electoral franchise of the people for a second-term, I pray that God Almighty will grant you the wisdom, strength, and grace to surpass your achievements. I also pray that you will consolidate the gains of your first-term and deliver even more dividends of democracy to our people, especially my Senatorial District."
In a gesture that signals a willingness to set aside political rivalry for the sake of state development, Fadahunsi offered his assurances of support, collaboration, and partnership. "Please accept my assurances of support, collaboration, and partnership as we – you, me, and other stakeholders – work together for the peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear State," he declared. The statement is particularly significant given the heated political atmosphere that preceded the election, during which Fadahunsi had been a vocal supporter of the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The August 15 governorship election was a fiercely contested battle that saw Adeleke, the candidate of the Accord Party, secure a decisive victory. INEC's Returning Officer, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, declared Adeleke the winner after he polled 511,067 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Oyebamiji of the APC, who garnered 444,815 votes. The margin of victory—66,252 votes—was substantial enough to quell any immediate legal challenges, though the political landscape remains charged with underlying tensions.
Adeleke's re-election was widely seen as a validation of his first-term policies, which focused on infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, and educational reforms. His administration had made significant strides in road construction across the state, revamped primary healthcare centres, and introduced initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity. These achievements, combined with his populist appeal and the influential support of his nephew, Afrobeats superstar Davido, helped galvanise voter turnout in his favour.
The congratulations from Alakija and Fadahunsi are noteworthy for different reasons. Alakija, though not a partisan political figure, has maintained a visible presence in Osun's social and educational circles. Her endorsement of Adeleke's first-term performance carries weight, particularly given her substantial investments in the state's healthcare and educational infrastructure. Her message subtly reminds the governor that with the renewed mandate comes an even greater obligation to deliver tangible results.
Fadahunsi's congratulations are particularly striking given the recent history of political hostility between the APC and the Accord Party in Osun. In the run-up to the election, Fadahunsi had been at the centre of controversy following the release of a viral video in which he allegedly made threatening remarks against Accord Party members. The video, amplified by Davido, sparked widespread outrage and prompted Governor Adeleke to contact the Inspector General of Police, calling for the senator's arrest. Fadahunsi later appeared on TVC News to respond to the allegations, denying any intent to incite violence.
His decision to publicly congratulate Adeleke and pledge collaboration suggests a pragmatic recognition that the election is over and that governance must now take precedence over partisan acrimony. It also reflects a broader trend in Osun politics, where the lines between ruling and opposition parties are increasingly blurred by the shared imperative of state development. Fadahunsi's emphasis on his senatorial district in his congratulatory message indicates a strategic appeal to the governor to ensure that his constituency benefits from the administration's second-term programmes.
The congratulations come at a time when Governor Adeleke is finalising his cabinet appointments and outlining the priorities for his second term. The support of influential figures like Alakija and the willingness of opposition leaders like Fadahunsi to collaborate could provide the governor with the broad-based backing needed to pursue his agenda with greater vigour. However, the path ahead is not without challenges. Osun faces significant fiscal constraints, infrastructural deficits, and the need to attract investment to stimulate economic growth.
For the people of Osun, the messages from Alakija and Fadahunsi offer a glimmer of hope that the acrimony of the election season can give way to a more constructive era of governance. Alakija's call for greater service and Fadahunsi's pledge of partnership underscore a shared recognition that the state's progress depends on collective effort, not partisan rivalry. As Governor Adeleke embarks on his second term, the words of these well-wishers serve as both an encouragement and a challenge: the renewed mandate is a responsibility, and the people of Osun will be watching to see how it is fulfilled.
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