Falegan Withdraws Election Petition Against Gov. Oyebanji, Cites Mother’s Plea and Ekiti’s Interest
Former Accord Party governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Hon. Opeyemi David Falegan, has withdrawn his election petition challenging the victory of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the decision was taken in the overall interest of peace, unity and development in the state.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Friday by his Media Aide, Comrade Adewumi Francis, following what was described as an emotional appeal by his mother, Madam Caroline Falegan, wife of the late Ekiti elder statesman and founding father, Chief Ojo Falegan.
According to the statement, Madam Falegan urged her son to discontinue the legal battle, stressing that his aspiration to govern the state was motivated by a sincere desire to improve the lives of Ekiti people rather than personal ambition.
She noted that from her observations across the 16 local government areas of the state, Hon. Falegan enjoys widespread love and respect among the people, but appealed to him to prioritize the peace and progress of Ekiti above every other consideration.
“My son, Opeyemi, you entered this race not for yourself, but to lift our people. The same spirit that pushed you to serve should now guide you to let this matter rest.
“From what I see and hear across our 16 local governments, it is obvious that over 80 percent of Ekiti people love and respect you. But for the love of Ekiti and for the development we all crave, I beg you, my son, let the case go. Let peace reign so that our state can move forward,” she said.
Responding to his mother’s appeal, Hon. Falegan said he had accepted her counsel and would no longer pursue the election petition before the tribunal.
He said his decision was inspired by the values of honour, selflessness and service handed down by his late father, adding that his political journey has always been driven by a commitment to the welfare of Ekiti people.
“I am not a bastard. My father, late Chief Ojo Falegan, left behind a legacy of honour, service, selflessness and love for Ekiti. That is the legacy I grew up with, and that is the legacy I must continue,” he stated.
Falegan explained that his governorship ambition was never about personal gain but about creating opportunities for youths, empowering women, improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens and advancing the development of the state.
“For the sake of my mother’s tears, for the sake of my father’s name, and most importantly, for the sake of Ekiti people, I have decided to drop the legal litigation. This is not surrender. This is statesmanship. Peace must reign in Ekiti,” he added.
The Accord chieftain also urged members of his legal team, party faithful and supporters not to view the withdrawal of the petition as an act of weakness or betrayal, but as a patriotic decision aimed at fostering unity and stability in the state.
“Our fight was for a better Ekiti. That fight continues, but it will now be fought on the ground through service, empowerment and unity,” he said.
Falegan further disclosed that the Opeyemi David Falegan Foundation would intensify its interventions in education, healthcare, youth empowerment and support for vulnerable families across Ekiti State.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the development of the state and prayed for wisdom, strength and divine guidance for Governor Oyebanji in the task of providing good governance.
He also appealed to political leaders and stakeholders across party lines to always place the collective interest of Ekiti State above personal and political ambitions.
