21st February ,2025
Oni Kehinde
News desk
The Federal Government has called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to suspend the local council elections scheduled for tomorrow, citing legal concerns and potential constitutional breaches.
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, made this known while addressing the ongoing political crisis in the state. In a statement released yesterday, Fagbemi emphasized that the law was clear on the contentious issue between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to him, holding the elections would be invalid, as the tenure of the recently reinstated council officials—following a Court of Appeal judgment—remains in effect until October 2025. He warned that proceeding with the elections would constitute a violation of the Constitution.
“Governor Adeleke should adhere to the rule of law and avoid actions that may incite unnecessary violence in Osun State,” Fagbemi stated. “Nobody benefits from violence. It is, therefore, crucial for the governor to direct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to halt any plans for the election.”
Meanwhile, in a statewide broadcast yesterday, Governor Adeleke assured residents that peace had returned to the state following clashes over the forceful takeover of local council secretariats by APC chairmen and councilors.
In a separate statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and those injured in the crisis. He reiterated the importance of upholding the rule of law for a peaceful Osun State.
“I appreciate our people for heeding my directive to stay away from council secretariats. Their compliance helped prevent further confrontations and casualties, ensuring that Osun remains a peaceful and loving state,” Adeleke stated.
