The World Bishops Council (WBC), Africa Chapter, has called on Osun residents to massively vote for the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke for what it described as the governor’s peaceful disposition and large-hearted attitude.

In a statement issued in Osogbo by WBC’s Leader in Osun State, Bishop Mike Adebomi, the Council noted that Adeleke “is a man of destiny” whose tenure has brought peace and harmonious relationships between adherents of all religions in the state.

Besides, the Council recalled that there was a time in the history of Osun State where both Muslims and Christians in the state were at loggerheads and had to be parading courts over matters that could be resolved amicably.

“Key gladiators in government then and who were part of this unfortunate incident are today seeking to still become our governor. But Adeleke’s tenure brought peace. And we feel that a person who brought peace and restored the broken wall should be supported.

“We urge the electorate to massively vote for the reelection of Governor Adeleke. We also urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to allow a free and fair election to take place on August 15”, the Bishops stated.

In a related development, the Religious Engagement (Christianity) Committee working for the reelection has declared total support for the incumbent governor, saying “he is the best among those contesting the forthcoming governorship polls when it comes to experience”.

At a meeting held in Osogbo on Tuesday, which involved the Committee’s Chairman, Sub-Committee leaders, Liaison Officers and the Coordinators from the 30 Local Governments and the Ife-East Area Office, Modakeke, it was resolved that all efforts would be in place to ensure the reelection of Governor Adeleke.

The Committee members noted that they voluntarily agreed to work for the governor’s reelection and “are ready to mobilize voters to cast their ballots for Governor Ademola Adeleke”.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, and signed by the Chairman of the Committee, Bishop Seun Adeoye, the Vice-chairman, Pastor Wale Akinyemi, and the Assistant Secretary, Rev. Caleb Akanni, the group expressed their confidence in the ability of the governor to deliver more dividends of democracy, going by his first term in office.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke is a man of grace. You can’t fight a man that is endowed with grace and win. His strength is in his ability to recognize his Creator and give Him praises. He is the David of our time”, the statement read.

The Committee added that their support for the reelection of Governor Adeleke was because of their belief that he “has divine duties to still fulfill in Osun State”.

They declared a 7-day fasting and prayers starting from Saturday, August 8 to Friday, August 14 for peaceful conduct of the polls and for Governor Adeleke’s success during the August 15th polls.