The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented the Certificates of Return to the Governor-elect, Engineer Seyi Makinde and Deputy Governor-elect, Barr Bayo Lawal.
Also received their Certificates of Return are the 32 House of Assembly members-elect in Oyo State.
The presentation ceremony was held at the International Conference Centre, University Of Ibadan on Wednesday.
The presentation of Certificates of Return according to INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Adeniran Tella, is in accordance with the provision Electoral Act, section 72:1.
Dr. Tella appreciated all relevant stakeholders for their support before, during and after the general elections. He appealed to the state’s elected officers to use their renewed mandate to reawaken the confidence of the people in the state.
He disclosed that introduction of technology for the 2023 polls added value to the improved electoral process. He called for the support of the political class to help the Commission to conduct better exercise in coming elections.
In his keynotes address, INEC National Commissioner for Oyo, Lagos, and Ekiti states, Sam Olumekun, hinted that the preparation for this year’s election commenced immediately after the 2019 polls which he said contributed to the success of the elections.
Reacting on behalf of other elected officers after receiving his Certificates of Return, Governor Seyi Makinde dedicated the election victory to the people of the state.
He said that it was time to hit the ground running by redoubling the efforts to take the people of Oyo State from poverty to prosperity.
In attendance during the presentation were the wives of the governor and the deputy governor, heads of security agencies, political appointees and other stakeholders in the electoral process
Also present is the representative of Olubadan-in-Council, Chief Eddy Oyewole, Chief Imam of Ibadan Land, Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere, Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola, representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) among others.
