The political space in Osun state is tension-filled amid growing uncertainty over the state of local government administration, with both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) fiercely seeking to control the third tier of government.
Following the Court of Appeal’s decision believed to have nullified their sack from office, the council chairmen elected on the APC platform forcefully took over the rein of leadership in their various local government areas, and in the process lost one of their colleagues, among other casualties.
However, the PDP headed for the state High Court where Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe gave the nod that the election should go ahead as planned.
The court pronounced that there were vacancies in all the local government councils, hence the need for the election.
With this, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) proceeded with the scheduled council polls Saturday, despite the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN)’s call for compliance with the appeal court’s judgement.
At the end of the exercise Saturday, OSSIEC announced the PDP candidates as winners in both the 332 councillorship and the 30 local government chairmanship seats in the state.
…Adeleke swears in elected chairs
Notwithstanding the state of uncertainty, Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke swore in the newly elected chairmen and councillors, whom he warned to stay off the council secretariats.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony Sunday in Osogbo, Adeleke insisted that the Saturday election was valid based on the court judgment, and vowed that the council would be reclaimed for them.
He maintained that the state electoral body had complied with the extant rules and procedures.
“We are all aware of the journey to where we are. The state is today rounding up a process that started a year or so ago. The state electoral body had issued due notice of election a year ago. I know the commission had complied with all extant rules and procedures which led to the emergence of new local government chairmen and councillors.
“We are equally aware of the legal controversies that dogged the holding of the election. It is however a thing of joy that the facts are out in the public domain and we are satisfied that we are on the side of the law within the context of rule of law and the constitution.
“I urge you and your councillors to please stay away from the council secretariats to avoid any clash with those whom the police had aided to forcefully occupy the local government secretariats.
“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 the 22nd February 2025.
“We will, therefore, rely on the judiciary to ensure a peaceful removal of those illegally occupying the local government secretariats,” Adeleke said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for not supporting plans to cause chaos in the state, promising that he would uphold the rule of law and constitution.
“I should not end this address without acknowledging the contributions of Mr President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am most grateful to Mr President for rejecting efforts by some forces to plunge Osun into chaos. I assure Mr President of our commitment to the rule of law and the constitution for conflict resolution and governance process,” Adeleke said.
….Makinde warns
Congratulating the new elected officials, Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde, who was also present at the event, said: “This is an opportunity for you to deliver to the grassroots. This will be your stepping stone to higher positions and the reward for hard work is more opportunities.”