Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has rejected the Federal Government’s directive to suspend the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, insisting the polls will proceed as planned under the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Friday, Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to upholding democracy, stating that Osun voters are prepared to exercise their rights.
“Our people are ready for elections tomorrow. They want to choose their chairmen and councillors. OSIEC has done an excellent job in preparing for the elections, and multiple political parties are participating. The process will be free and fair,” Adeleke said.
Federal Government Moves to Halt Election
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, had earlier directed Governor Adeleke to suspend the elections, citing a recent Court of Appeal ruling that restored the tenure of previously elected local government officials.
Fagbemi emphasized that Adeleke’s removal of local government chairmen—originally elected under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola—was invalid since the Court of Appeal nullified the Federal High Court judgment that had dismissed them.
“The Court of Appeal’s judgment effectively reinstates the elected officials, whose tenure runs until October 2025. Any election held before then will be unconstitutional and invalid,” Fagbemi stated.
Political Crisis Over Local Government Control
Osun State has been embroiled in a fierce political struggle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over control of local government councils. The crisis has led to violent clashes, resulting in multiple casualties, including the killing of a former council chairman.
The state government has blamed the unrest on APC members and former governor Gboyega Oyetola, who now serves as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
Despite legal and security concerns, Governor Adeleke remains firm, stating that the rule of law must be upheld and that no authority can override the state’s democratic process.
“We stand by democracy and the rule of law. Elections will hold, and local government development will be fast-tracked,” Adeleke declared.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are on Osun State to see whether the Federal Government will intervene further or if the state government will proceed with its controversial local government elections.
