A ttorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi has issued a stern directive to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, warning that proceeding with Saturday’s local government election would be unconstitutional. The legal caution comes amid heightened political tensions and deadly clashes that have left six people dead, including a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) member. Fagbemi has declared the scheduled poll “invalid,” citing a Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated APC-elected council chairmen until October 2025.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has refuted allegations from Adeleke’s camp, calling accusations of bias “absurd” and maintaining that law enforcement is solely focused on ensuring peace in the volatile state.
AGF: Osun LG Election Violates Court Ruling
In a statement from Abuja, Fagbemi emphasized that Adeleke risks violating the Nigerian Constitution if he pushes the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to proceed with the February 22 election. The dispute stems from a February 10 ruling by the Court of Appeal in Akure, which overturned a 2022 Federal High Court judgment that had removed APC-elected local government officials installed under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. Adeleke, upon assuming office, had replaced them with caretaker committees via an executive order. However, the appellate court restored the original officeholders, affirming that their term remains valid until October 2025.
“The constitutional position is clear—any attempt to conduct a new election under these circumstances is null and void,” Fagbemi asserted, referencing a recent Supreme Court ruling that reinforced local government autonomy. He urged Adeleke to uphold the law and prevent further violence in the state.
Osun’s Political Tensions Escalate
Tensions have been mounting since Monday when clashes between APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyalists erupted over control of local councils, resulting in fatalities. Fagbemi accused "disgruntled elements" of resisting the return of reinstated APC officials, placing the responsibility on Adeleke to enforce the court's decision and maintain order.
However, the Osun Democrats for Democracy (ODD) dismissed Fagbemi’s stance, arguing that he remains biased due to his past legal representation of Oyetola. ODD spokesperson Adewale Fowora countered that another ruling from the Action Peoples Party (APP) still invalidates the reinstated APC officials. “Fagbemi is not a judge. The election will proceed as scheduled,” Fowora insisted.
IGP Rejects Allegations of Political Interference
The political standoff has intensified with PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi accusing the IGP of destabilizing Osun and plotting against Adeleke. IGP Egbetokun swiftly denied the claims, stating that additional police deployments were made at the request of the state commissioner following the recent violence. “Our focus is maintaining peace and preventing further bloodshed,” Egbetokun affirmed, dismissing the accusations as baseless political rhetoric.
Meanwhile, the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has condemned the unrest and urged all parties to prioritize the rule of law. APC chieftain Olatunbosun Oyintiloye has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that Adeleke’s defiance could trigger further bloodshed. APC has also announced its withdrawal from the election, arguing that no legitimate vacancies exist in the local councils.
Adeleke’s Camp Stands Firm
Despite mounting opposition, the Osun State government remains resolute. Information Commissioner Kolapo Alimi confirmed that the election will proceed as planned, stating that any challenges should be settled in court. Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the recent violence while reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated further as APC accused PDP’s Akindele Adekunle of spreading false information about alleged fake police officers being deployed to disrupt the election. PDP, in turn, accused APC of using thugs disguised in security uniforms to intimidate voters.
With Osun State on edge, Saturday’s election remains a flashpoint—either a step forward in governance or a potential flashpoint for more violence.
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