The Chairman, Oyo state Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Aare Isiaka Abiola (SAN), has described the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde as a leader with impeccable character who through his God – given wisdom has achieved supreme peace in the state.
Aare Abiola Olagunju stated this while receiving an Award of Excellence from the management of Oodua News Newspaper, Ibadan, in his office on Friday.
The OYSIEC boss, who described the award as another cap to his feather, said the support of Governor Seyi Makinde to the commission, especially the last Local Government Elections cannot be quantified, hence the success achieved at the polls.
According to him, the support of the governor was instrumental to success the commission recorded at the polls.
His words; “I really want to thank the peoples governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his magnanimity and support for the commission which paved way for the success of the last Local Government Elections in the State.
“Nothing would have been achieved and no success would have been recorded without the support of the state governor. While I will take the governor after God Almighty as number one is because of his tremendous support for the commission.
“In my four or five years as chairman of the commission, there has not been any reason for me to doubt the integrity of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde in his leadership ability , he has always given us the necessary support, and whatever we do here, we do it in accordance with the law and we are glad that the governor for once has not disagreed with us.
“For instance, when we announced the date for the last election which came up on April 24, 2024, we called a meeting to inform members of the commission on the Electoral Act which says we are supposed to give 365 days to the Chairmen and Councillors for the election because there is a Supreme Court Judgement which says any Electoral Law that is inconsistent with the Electoral Act is null and void.
“As a lawyer, I thought it will not be right for me to allow the day to pass, so we came out with a notice to inform the people of the state on the development and when the governor saw it a week later, he called us and I explained to him that the law now is to give 365 days before election, and he was very happy with what we did.
Aare Olagunju expressed gratitude to the management of Oodua News Newspaper for the award, saying it came as a surprise to him.
The OYSIEC boss also thanked members of the Commission for their cooperation and dedication during the brief ceremony witnessed by the Commission’s Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr Ayodeji David Kehinde.
He admonished the people of the state to continue to cooperate and support the governor ‘Seyi Makinde- led-administration in the state in order to enable him take the state to enviable heights.
“I really appreciate the management of Oodua News Newspaper for the honour, it came to me as a surprise and I really thank God for the honor.
in his brief remark, the Deputy Editor of Oodua News Newspaper, Mr Olubode Akinbode described Aare Abiola Olagunju (SAN) as a visionary leader who has led the commission to greater heights through quality leadership and the conduct of credible polls in the state.
Speaking earlier, the Editor of Oodua News Newspaper, Comrade Richard Thomas thanked Aare Abiola Olagunju (SAN) for his warm reception, adding that the award was in recognition of his long standing impact to the peace and stability of Oyo State through the free and fair Local Government Elections conducted by his tenure in the first and second administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
“First, I wish to extend my heartfelt commendation to you for your exemplary leadership and remarkable success as the Chairman of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC). Your tenure in this highly significant role has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by your dedication, integrity, and commitment to upholding democratic values in Oyo State.
“Under your capable stewardship, OYSIEC has witnessed substantial progress and transformation, significantly elevating the credibility and transparency of electoral processes within the state. Your proactive measures to ensure that elections are free, fair, and devoid of malpractice have restored confidence in the electoral system, and the results are a testament to your exceptional leadership.
“The recent local government elections, conducted under your guidance, were a resounding success, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere with a high level of participation from the electorate. This feat is a clear reflection of your thorough planning, efficient use of resources, and adept problem-solving abilities.
“Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, hence, the Award of Excellence being presented to you today. Your success has become a beacon of hope for other states in Nigeria.
“With the success of the last local government election, you have elevated the status of OYSIEC, turning it into a model for electoral commissions across the country, and this achievement deserves the highest commendation,” he added.
According to Comrade Thomas, the judgment by the Election Petition Tribunal, on July 3rd, 2024 at the High Court of Justice, Ring Road, Ibadan headed by Honourable Justice A. L Akintola, which ruled in favour of OYSIEC and the Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju (SAN) further confirmed that the commission actually conducted a free and fair Local Government Elections in the state.
He then admonished Chairmen of Electoral Commission in other parts of the country to emulate and take a cue from the exemplary leadership of the OYSIEC Chairman in Oyo State to enable them deliver appropriately in the area of local government elections and related activities.
