Osun 2026: Oyebamiji’s Post-Election Decision Draws Praise From Yoruba Leaders

Bola Oyebamiji has received praise from Yoruba Leaders of Thought following his decision to accept the outcome of the Osun State governorship election.

Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress candidate, congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared the incumbent winner of the August 15, 2026 election.

Yoruba Leaders of Thought subsequently welcomed Oyebamiji’s position, saying it had helped to reduce tension and restore peace in Osun State.

The group said the APC candidate’s decision was particularly important because it spared the state a potentially contentious litigation process following the election.

The final results announced by INEC showed Adeleke polling 511,067 votes against Oyebamiji’s 444,815 votes.

Adeleke therefore won by a margin of 66,252 votes. He also won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.

The Yoruba Leaders of Thought, under the leadership of elder statesman Chief Tajudeen Olusi, congratulated Adeleke while praising Oyebamiji for accepting the outcome.

The group said the governor could now concentrate on governance, having secured acceptance of the election result from his major opposition challenger.

Oyebamiji’s position came after he had earlier supported the APC’s decision to review the election outcome.

In an earlier post-election statement, he said he respected the decision while backing the party’s review process. He also urged his supporters to remain calm and peaceful after the election.

His subsequent acceptance of the result meant that the immediate focus shifted away from a possible post-election legal contest.

YLT said politicians should learn to respect the law and democratic institutions, stressing that political ambitions should not be pursued through violence.

The group also commended President Bola Tinubu over his role in the election and described the exercise as free, fair and peaceful.

It further credited electoral reforms by INEC and efforts aimed at improving transparency, accountability and integrity in public institutions.

The election itself produced a strong contest between Adeleke and Oyebamiji.

Adeleke recorded significant victories in several areas, including Ede North, Ede South, Ife East, Iwo and Osogbo.

In Ede North, Adeleke polled 35,427 votes against Oyebamiji’s 10,283, while in Ede South he recorded 26,188 votes against 6,219. In Osogbo, the state capital, Adeleke secured 36,480 votes against Oyebamiji’s 30,474.

Oyebamiji, however, also recorded victories in 11 local government areas.

His strongest result came in Irewole, where he polled 29,972 votes compared with Adeleke’s 10,934. He also won in areas including Boripe, Ilesa East, Irepodun, Obokun, Isokan, Olorunda and Ife South.

The result gave Adeleke a fresh four-year mandate.

The governor first became Osun governor after winning the 2022 election under the PDP. He subsequently left the party and contested the 2026 election under the Accord Party.

YLT said the acceptance of the election outcome was a positive development for Osun and could help political actors move beyond the contest.

The group’s reaction places Oyebamiji’s post-election decision at the centre of discussions about peaceful political transitions and the handling of electoral defeats in the state.