Tension escalated in Osun State on Tuesday as local government chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepared to reclaim their offices following an Appeal Court ruling they claimed reinstated them.
The chairmen, who were elected in 2022 during the final days of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s administration using a controversial ‘Yes or No’ voting system, had been sacked by Governor Ademola Adeleke after the Federal High Court declared the election null and void.
Following the recent Appeal Court decision, the APC chairmen mobilized supporters and declared their intent to resume leadership in the state’s 30 local government areas. A source among the chairmen said they would present the Certified True Copy of the judgment to the authorities and expect the police to enforce compliance.
Increased security presence was observed at local government offices across the state in anticipation of possible unrest.
The Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Osun, Abiodun Idowu, insisted the court ruling affirmed their reinstatement. “The Court of Appeal reinstated us, and by that judgment, we have resumed. Only the court can issue further directives,” he said, expressing confidence that law enforcement agencies would comply.
However, Osun State Attorney-General, Barrister Oluwole Jimi-Bada, refuted the claims, maintaining that the chairmen remain legally removed from office. He emphasized that the election held on October 15, 2022, was declared unconstitutional and a violation of several sections of the Electoral Act 2022.
“All persons occupying local government offices based on the election are sacked and remain so,” the Attorney-General stated.
Meanwhile, socio-political groups in the state have weighed in on the controversy. Osun Youths Progressives (O-SPY), led by Hon. Tunmise Ajiboye, urged the state government to respect the court ruling. Similarly, the Osun State Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Adewale Adebayo, cautioned against spreading misinformation, warning that it could cause unrest.
“If you have reservations about the judgment, approach the Supreme Court rather than confuse the public,” Adebayo advised.
As the situation unfolds, security agencies continue to monitor developments closely to prevent potential disturbances.
