The people of Ile-Ife delivered a total of 75,758 votes in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election, with the performance across the four local government areas of the Ife federal constituency described as a strong demonstration of confidence in the governor’s leadership and development agenda.

The figures, contained in a release signed by Bamikole Omisore, Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Relations, showed that Ife East recorded 27,201 votes, Ife Central 21,171 votes, Ife North 13,879 votes, while Ife South recorded 13,507 votes.

Omisore said the result reflected 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 mentioned.

The Special Adviser particularly highlighted the performance of Ife East, noting that the area had moved from a deficit of 1,282 votes recorded in the 2022 election to 27,201 votes in the latest election.

He described the development as a significant shift in the political landscape and attributed the outcome to 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. It shows the strength of the people’s collective decision and their determination to support the direction they believe will move the state forward,” he mentioned.

Omisore also commended residents of Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South for their contributions to the overall result, saying the figures from the four areas demonstrated broad-based support for the governor. According to him, the support was not limited to a particular group, but cut across youths, business owners, 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,” Omisore mentioned.

The statement further acknowledged the contribution of political leaders and elders whose efforts, according to Omisore, helped strengthen the mobilisation that produced the electoral outcome. He specifically recognised Professor Wale Oladipo and Prince Kola Adewusi, alongside other political leaders, mentors and community stakeholders for their guidance and commitment.

“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.We also appreciate the countless mentors, elders and stakeholders who worked tirelessly to ensure that the people’s voices were heard,” he mentioned.

Omisore also praised the traditional institution in Ile-Ife for its role in maintaining peace and order throughout the electoral process. He acknowledged the leadership of the Ooni of Ife and other traditional authorities, saying their commitment to peace and democratic values contributed to the peaceful conduct of 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. Their commitment to democratic ideals helped provide a stable environment for the people to exercise their civic responsibility,” he mentioned.

While celebrating Ile-Ife’s contribution, Omisore stressed that Governor Adeleke’s re-election was the product of efforts across Osun State rather than the votes of any single local government area. He said communities from different parts of the state contributed to the victory and described the outcome as a collective mandate from Osun voters.

“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.

The Special Adviser said the electoral performance had further demonstrated the strategic importance of Ile-Ife in Osun State politics, describing the ancient city as a major electoral bloc capable of influencing statewide outcomes. He, however, noted that the electoral mandate also came with expectations from the people regarding governance and development during the governor’s second term.

“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 second term of the Adeleke administration would bring greater attention to the development needs of Ile-Ife and other communities across the state. He identified economic development, agriculture, infrastructure, education, employment and cultural preservation among areas that should receive continued 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. The people have given their mandate, and the next step is to ensure that the mandate produces meaningful results,” he mentioned.

He therefore called on residents, political leaders and other stakeholders to remain united and support efforts aimed at advancing the development of Ile-Ife and Osun State. Omisore said the electoral victory should mark the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between the government and the people, with emphasis on delivering on 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 mentioned.

The 75,758 votes recorded across Ile-Ife have therefore been described by Omisore as both an electoral achievement and a call for continued unity among the people. He expressed appreciation to residents for their participation and support, while urging them to remain committed to the peace, development and progress 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.