The Organisation of African Instituted Churches(OAIC), Nigeria Region, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, describing his victory as a renewed expression of voters’ confidence in his leadership.
The organisation, in a congratulatory letter dated August 16 and signed by its Regional Secretary, Snr. Ap. Joe O. Okoh, on behalf of the Regional President, Elder Israel Akinadewo, said Adeleke’s victory presented an opportunity to deepen development and promote peace across the state.
INEC had scheduled the Osun governorship election for August 15, 2026, with the poll marking one of the major off-cycle electoral contests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the letter, the OAIC said, “Your victory at the polls is a significant expression of the confidence and trust which the good people of Osun State have reposed in your leadership and administration.”
The Christian body urged the governor to use the renewed mandate to consolidate the achievements of his first term while advancing what it described as the peace, unity, welfare and socio-economic development of Osun State.
“As an Indigenous Christian body committed to peace, good governance, justice and the wellbeing of our nation, which your humble self is a member through a member-church, the OAIC Nigeria Region joins your family, Government and the entire people of Osun State in celebrating this remarkable electoral success,” the organisation said.
The group also prayed for wisdom, sound health, courage and discernment for Adeleke as he prepares for another term in office.
It expressed the hope that his second term would bring greater development and prosperity to residents regardless of political, religious or other affiliations.
The OAIC’s message comes as attention shifts from the election battle to the expectations surrounding Adeleke’s renewed mandate.
The contest was closely watched across the state, with the incumbent facing a strong challenge from the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
According to the results supplied for the report, Adeleke polled 511,067 votes against Oyebamiji’s 444,815, giving the governor a winning margin of 66,252 votes. ADC candidate Najeem Salaam was listed in third position with 17,180 votes.
The supplied results also showed Adeleke winning 19 of Osun’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.
The outcome gives Adeleke another opportunity to pursue his administration’s programmes while facing renewed pressure to deliver on infrastructure, economic development, workers’ welfare and social services.
For the OAIC, the renewed mandate should be used to promote unity beyond party and religious lines.
“May your second term usher in greater development, prosperity, peace and progress for all the people of Osun State, irrespective of political, religious or other affiliations,” the organisation said.
The OAIC is an umbrella body representing African Independent and Instituted Churches and says its mission includes bringing member churches together to serve their communities and address social challenges.
As Adeleke prepares for his next term, the political contest that dominated the election campaign is expected to give way to governance and accountability, with residents watching closely for how the renewed mandate translates into tangible improvements across the state.
