Hello,

How are you today?

Were you excited this last Saturday as the results of the Governorship Election started coming in? When I wrote in my last newsletter that I was concerned about the margin of victory, not whether we would win, some people thought I was just being boastful. Thank you for giving those people a befitting response.

If anyone had doubts that power truly belongs to the people, the election five days ago cleared all doubts. Yes, you, the good people of Oyo State, trooped out en masse. Some of you were at your polling units from as early as 6.30 a.m.  You had just one mission: You voted, and you waited for your votes to be counted and transmitted.

563,756 of you voted and said yes to sustainable development in our dear state.
This is your voice. This is your power. This is your victory.

In the history of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, we have never seen this margin of victory in Oyo State. Precisely, we were 307,071 votes clear of our closest competition. Your voice was loud!

In the buildup to this election, some doubted the will of the good people of Oyo State and their desire for good governance as envisioned under Omituntun 2.0. They thought that the so-called political godfathers would determine the outcome of these elections. Through this mandate, you have proven, once more, that God the Father is greater than all political godfathers.

Also, in the buildup to this election, some people thought they could sow seeds of disunity among us. They tried to divide us by playing the religion card. By this mandate, you have made a strong statement in response to them. Religious bigotry has no place in our dear Pacesetter State. The 63% majority have said, “Though our religion, tribe and tongue may differ, we are one people united by good governance”.

We have proved by our actions that power truly belongs to God, and he gives it to whomever he pleases. Today, he has chosen me through you. And so, I return all power, adoration and glory to the One who gives power, and I bless His holy name.

Let me use this opportunity to, again, thank everyone who contributed to this victory. I cannot appreciate you, the good people of Oyo State, enough for saying, “Seyi Leekansi” and renewing our mandate. Thank you for choosing Omituntun 2.0.

Of course, the celebration continues. As we celebrate, let me put it on record that this is indeed a new dawn. Yes, we achieved this victory through the sheer will of the people. But we also achieved it without any violence or bloodshed on election day…No bloodshed. We used our PVCs, not violence. This is unprecedented in a state which has always been prone to violence during elections.

Let me also use this opportunity to invite everyone who truly loves Oyo State to join us and ensure that the next four years are more glorious than the last four. The elections are over. Now, we have a state to build.

And as our Muslim brothers and sisters begin the holy month of Ramadan today, may their prayers and sacrifices be acceptable to the Almighty. Remember to pray for our dear state and nation.

My dear good people of Oyo State, welcome to the era of sustainable development!
Welcome to Omituntun 2.0.