ADEGBOYEGA Oyetola, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has assumed office as the governor of Osun State, having taken the oath of office at the Osogbo City Stadium, on Tuesday.

Oyetola takes over from Rauf Aregbesola who has completed his second term in office.

The oath of office was administered on Oyetolaand his deputy, Benedict Alabi, by the Chief Judge of the State, Oyobola Adepele-Ojo.

Oyetola promised to ensure that the people of Osun state feel positive effects of the progressive government in the state, adding that his administration would ensure prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

“My administration will promote growth, job creation, social protection and upgrade the standard of living of the people,’’ Oyetola promised, while also pledging to deliver Osun State votes to President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general election.

In his goodwill message, President Buhari, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, urged the incoming governor to rule with a human face and with the fear of God.

Buhari described the peaceful transition from one government to another in Osun State as a demonstration that Nigeria democracy had matured.

Also speaking at the event, former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu, commended the out gone governor,  Aregbesola, for his achievements while in office.

“Aregbesola earned a progressive mandate for eight years, developed progressive programmes and handed over to another progressive governor. This is not a mere achievement, and we pledge our total support, both in the office or out of office for the continuity of the progressive government established by President Muhammadu Buhari,” Tinubu said.

Born in 1954, Oyetola has a Bachelor of Science degree in Insurance from the University of Lagos, and a Master of Business Administration from the same University. He was the Chief of Staff to Aregbesola for eight years.

Oyetola polled a total of 255,505 votes in the Osun governorship election to defeat his opponent, Ademola Adeleke of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 255, 023 votes.

Adeleke is currently challenging the election results before the election petitions tribunal.

Among the dignitaries that attended Tuesday’s swearing-in were Governors Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos, Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, and Yayaha Bello of Kogi.

Others were Adams Oshiomole, the APC National Chairman, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi, among others. (NAN)