By: Waliu Adetokun Osogbo.

The ancient town of Ede in Osun State was on Sunday thrown into jubilation as residents trooped out in large numbers to celebrate the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the August 15 governorship election.

The celebration followed the declaration of Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate and incumbent governor, as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the results announced by INEC, Adeleke defeated his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polling 511,067 votes against Oyebamiji’s 444,811 votes.

Shortly after the declaration, residents and supporters in Ede took to the streets in celebration, singing, dancing and displaying party colours and symbols.

Some of the jubilant supporters described the victory as “a victory for the people of Osun State,” while others expressed confidence that Adeleke would continue with his development programmes across the state.

The celebration was particularly significant in Ede, the governor’s hometown, where supporters gathered in different parts of the town to celebrate the outcome of the election.

Adeleke’s victory came after a keenly contested election in which candidates of different political parties battled for the governorship of the state.

With the declaration, attention is now expected to shift towards the next phase of governance as Adeleke prepares to continue his administration for another term.