Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has hailed the Supreme Court’s verdict that reaffirmed his election, as Governor of the State.
The Governor also described the Apex Court’s verdict as a victory for democracy and the good people of Ekiti State, who voted him as their Governor.
The Supreme Court, sitting in Abuja, had earlier on Thursday, dismissed the petition of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, governorship candidate, Segun Oni, who was challenging Oyebanji’s victory in the June 18, 2022 governorship election in the State.
Speaking with journalists shortly after laying the foundation of the Nigerian Air Force Base, in Ado-Ekiti, the governor restated his belief that his election, as governor, was God-ordained and actualised by majority votes of the people of the state.
He said his respect for Chief Oni, a former Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, remained intact, and urged him to join hands with his administration in developing the state, having explored all judicial processes available.
Oyebanji however appreciated the Nigerian Judiciary for being professional and the good people of Ekiti State for their prayers all through the stages of the judicial battle.
“I give glory to God and thank Ekiti people for their prayers. It is the Lord’s doing and it’s marvellous in our sight. And I commend the Nigerian judiciary for being professional and for bringing an end to this litigation.
“We are all Ekiti, what has happened has not diminished my respect for Engineer Segun Oni, he remains my leader and brother, am going to call him and am going to visit him. He has exhibited his right as permitted by the constitution of Nigeria and now that the case is closed, all of us have to come together to develop our dear State,” he said.