Political Tension Escalates in Osun State
Osun State is at the center of a deepening political crisis as the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to battle over the reinstatement of sacked local government chairmen.
The conflict, fueled by contradictory court rulings, has led to allegations of illegal directives, political maneuvering, and threats of violence.
APC Accuses Adeleke’s Government of Defying Court Orders
The APC has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of deliberately ignoring a February 10, 2025, Court of Appeal ruling, which they claim reinstated the previously removed local government chairmen and councillors.
“The state government is trying to block our return by declaring an illegal public holiday and mobilizing security forces against us,” said Kola Olabisi, APC’s State Director of Media and Information.
The APC also alleged that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) is colluding with the government to conduct a new local government election on February 22, 2025, despite the existing legal dispute.
Adding to the tension, the opposition party claimed that Adeleke’s administration had recruited political thugs and criminal elements to attack APC members and prevent them from resuming office.
Adeleke Fires Back: Accuses APC of Planning a Forceful Takeover
In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke dismissed the APC’s claims, calling them a “desperate attempt to subvert democracy.” He accused former Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of plotting to forcibly take over local government councils with the backing of security agencies.
“Security operatives are being misled into acting on a non-existent judgment. This is a deliberate plot to create chaos and anarchy,” Adeleke stated.
The governor insisted that the 2022 local government elections were nullified by two separate Federal High Court judgments, and the Court of Appeal did not issue a reinstatement order.
Adeleke also accused Oyetola of using his influence as President Bola Tinubu’s nephew to manipulate state security forces.
“It is sad that the Commissioner of Police, the DSS Director, and the Civil Defence Commandant are taking orders from a former governor who has no constitutional authority,” he added.
Calls for Presidential Intervention
Both sides are now calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
- APC has urged security agencies to uphold the rule of law and prevent any attempts to block the reinstatement of its members.
- Adeleke is appealing to Tinubu to instruct security agencies to ignore any illegal directives from Oyetola and ensure that only legal processes determine leadership at the local level.
“Mr. President is a democrat and will never authorize an unconstitutional takeover,” Adeleke asserted.
PDP Stands by Adeleke, Denies APC’s Claims
The PDP has also dismissed the APC’s accusations, stating that the Court of Appeal ruling did not order the reinstatement of the sacked officials.
“There is a valid Federal High Court judgment from November 30, 2022, which invalidated the October 15, 2022 election. The APC is misleading the public,” PDP chairman Sunday Bisi said in a statement.
The PDP has also reaffirmed its commitment to contesting the upcoming local government election, insisting that the process aligns with legal provisions.
“As a lawful party, we’re prepared to defend our rights, and no amount of threats will deter us,” Bisi added.
What’s Next?
The legal and political battle over Osun’s local government leadership continues to escalate. While the PDP insists on moving forward with new elections, the APC remains firm in its demand for the reinstatement of its members.
With security tensions rising and both sides calling for federal intervention, all eyes are now on President Bola Tinubu and judicial authorities to determine the next course of action.
