Protocols duly observed.
My dear people of Osun State,
I stand before you today with profound humility, deep gratitude, and an abiding sense of responsibility. I give all glory to God Almighty, the One who lifts men from obscurity, entrusts them with purpose, and places upon them the sacred burden of leadership.
Today is not simply a political moment; it is a moral calling. It affirms that leadership rooted in service, conscience, and compassion can still find expression in our public life. It reminds us that hope can rise again, even after seasons of disappointment.
I sincerely thank the members and leadership of the African Democratic Congress for the confidence reposed in me. Your trust is not taken lightly. Leadership begins with responsibility, and today, through your mandate, I accept that responsibility with a clear heart and steady resolve.
Appreciation
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the national and state leadership of our great party, the ADC, especially our Chairman and party executives, whose sacrifices, resilience, and organisational discipline have made this moment possible.
I pay special tribute to Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, a leader whose commitment to Osun was defined by courage, conviction, and visible impact. History will continue to acknowledge your contributions to governance and development in our state.
To Senator Felix Kola Ogunwale (Jumokol), thank you for your wise counsel and enduring support. May God continue to uphold you.
To Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, thank you for your generosity of spirit and unwavering love for Osun State.
To Senator Adejare Oriolowo, your loyalty and consistency in the pursuit of Osun’s progress continue to inspire us. Thank you for strengthening our collective resolve.
To Engr. Olajide Adeniji, an exemplary leader, thank you for your unwavering support and guidance.
I must specially appreciate Mrs. Siju Adeoye, who demonstrated courage by showing interest in the gubernatorial ticket and wisdom by accepting the party’s zoning decision. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to party unity.
To the ADC faithful, our youths, women, elders, and grassroots organisers, you are the strength of this movement. You have chosen conviction over inducement and purpose over convenience. You represent the future we seek to build.
To my family, friends, and supporters, thank you for standing with me through demanding moments. Your support has strengthened my resolve to serve.
Addressing the Reality Before Us
The people of Osun are not asking for miracles. They are asking for competent governance, accountability, and leadership that listens.
We must be honest: the challenges confronting Osun today did not emerge overnight. They are the result of years of poor political judgment, internal contradictions, and misplaced priorities, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC), where internal conflict, arrogance, and disregard for the people weakened governance and eroded public trust.
Institutions were undermined. Genuine reform voices were sidelined. Governance became secondary to power struggles. Those of us who attempted to effect change from within were confronted with a system unwilling to reform itself.
Leaving that structure was not an act of disloyalty; it was an act of conscience.
As our elders say:
“Tí wọ́n bá pe orí ajá, wọ́n pè orí ikòkò tí wọ́n fi ṣe.” When a vessel is damaged beyond repair, wisdom demands a new direction.
Our loyalty has always been to Osun State and its people, not to failed systems or empty slogans.
Today, Osun continues to suffer unnecessary hardship, worsened by the misuse of federal influence to withhold Local Government allocations over avoidable legal disputes. The consequences are clear: weakened local governance, struggling schools, unpaid workers, and neglected communities.
This is not leadership.
This is not governance.
This is collective punishment.
Power without compassion becomes oppression.
Authority without empathy leads to instability.
Strength without wisdom destroys trust.
Why ADC Represents a New Direction
Osun must move from politics of punishment to politics of purpose.
The African Democratic Congress offers a credible alternative, one anchored on:
✓ Responsible leadership, not intimidation
✓ Transparency, not exclusion
✓ Development, not deprivation
✓ Unity, not division
ADC will govern with clarity, compassion, and commitment. We are deliberate because Osun deserves intentional leadership. We are united because Osun yearns for stability. We are focused because Osun is tired of uncertainty.
Osun deserves better and Osun will get better.
My Commitment to Osun People
I accept this mandate as the gubernatorial candidate of the ADC with a deep sense of responsibility. I accept it with hope because our people still believe. I accept it with prayer because the challenges ahead are real.
But when a people are united in purpose, no force can obstruct their destiny.
Together, we will:
➢ Restore discipline and integrity to governance
➢ Prioritise workers’ welfare and timely remuneration
➢ Revitalise education and skills development
➢ Empower youths beyond election cycles
➢ Strengthen security and community safety
➢ Promote local enterprise and economic growth
➢ Restore public trust in leadership
Make Osun State work again for everyone
I assure you today: I will not betray this trust. We will not fail Osun. ADC will not fail Osun.
Thank you.
God bless you.
God bless the African Democratic Congress.
God bless Osun State.
