The Federal Government has directed Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to suspend the local government elections scheduled for tomorrow, citing a recent Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated local government chairmen elected under the previous administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized that holding the elections would be invalid and a breach of the Constitution, as the term of office of the reinstated officials will still be running until October 2025.
Fagbemi urged Governor Adeleke to advise the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to shelve the election plans, stating that “nobody benefits from violence” and that it is essential to maintain peace in Osun State.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has declared that peace has returned to the state after the recent face-off over the forceful takeover of local council secretariats by APC chairmen and councilors. The governor condoled with the families of those affected and commended the people of Osun for complying with his directives to stay away from local council secretariats.
The controversy surrounding the local government elections has created tension between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State. The Federal Government’s directive has added a new layer to the crisis, and it remains to be seen how Governor Adeleke will respond to the order.
