…As reinstated chairmen vow to resume today amid tension
From Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has directed the newly-elected chairmen and councillors to stay away from the Councils’ Secretariat.
Adeleke’s directive followed the threat by acclaimed reinstated chairmen and councilors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who have vowed to resumed at their respective offices and secretariat across the state.
“I urge you and your councilors to please stay away from the Councils’ Secretariat to avoid any clash with those whom the police had aided to forcefully occupy the local governments secretariat.
“An Osun State High Court had affirmed the vacancies in both the Chairman and Councilors positions in all of Osun State Local Governments before your election on February 22, 2025. We will, therefore, rely on the judiciary to ensure a peaceful removal of those illegally occupying the local government secretariat.
“Please be patient and always abide by the rule of law.It is on this note that I, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun State, hereby effect the swearing in of elected local government chairmen across state”, the Governor stated.
Meanwhile, the State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has commended voters for their participation in the recent local government elections, describing them as the true heroes of democracy.
PDP Chairman, in the Honourable Sunday Bisi, praised the electorate for their resilience amidst provocations and attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
Olabisi, in a statement made available to journalists in Osogbo emphasised the importance of the officials returning to their respective councils to serve the grassroots populace, in line with the party’s commitment to the rule of law.
He condemned the violence allegedly perpetrated by APC thugs, which led to the death of an innocent voter, Ajilore Ifeoluwa, in Ilesa East. Bisi called on security agencies to apprehend the suspect, Ademoroti Adeboye ,aka Germani, and ensure justice is served.
These developments highlight the ongoing political tension in Osun State, underscoring the necessity for adherence to legal processes and the maintenance of peace during this period”, the PDP chairman stated.
The PDP also urged security agencies to remain vigilant against any attempts by unauthorized individuals to invade local government secretariat, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law and maintain public order.
Earlier, the State Independent Electoral Commission had issued Certificates of Return to all the elected chairmen and councillors .
The commission’s Chairman, Mr Hashim Abioye expressed joy that the much anticipated elections were peacefully conducted without any recorded violence a across the state .
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, National Assembly members and host of other top personalities witnessed the swearing in ceremony, held at Government House, Osogbo, the state capital
Meanwhile the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has directed its acclaimed reinstated local government chairmen and councillors to resume duties on Monday, February 24, 2025.
This directive follows an interpretation of the Court of Appeal judgment on February 10, 2025, which the APC claimed reinstated the officials. The APC’s Director of Media and Information, Mr. Kola Olabisi, refuted claims that the party had advised these officials against resuming, labeling such reports as fake news.
The AGF said when a court declares a ruling null and void due to lack of jurisdiction, it effectively ceases to exist and has no legal consequences.
It would be recalled that the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), last Thursday ahead of Saturday’s elections said that the planned local government elections in Osun State is unconstitutional, citing a recent Court of Appeal decision that restored previously sacked local council officials in the state.
Contrastingly, the state Governor in a broadcast same day urged registered voters in the state in thee just concluded at the weekend.
After the broadcast, the Governor retweeted a post by his Special Assistant (Digital Media) Olalekan Badmus on X, maintaining that “only a competent court of jurisdiction can stop this election”.
Following an attempt by the previously sacked local government officials in the state to resume office based on February 10, judgement of the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal chaos erupted.
AljazirahNigeria reports that the local government officials were elected in an election conducted shortly before the end of the administration of the immediate-past governor of the state, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
