Folarin Kehinde

Governor Ademola Adeleke has announced that the local government elections in Osun State will proceed as scheduled on Saturday, despite tensions between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor’s position was made known in a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

The announcement follows the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal, which reinstated APC-backed local government officials previously sacked by the state government. The court’s decision fueled disputes between the two major parties over control of the local councils.

Earlier on Thursday, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, had cautioned Governor Adeleke against conducting the election. He argued that the reinstatement of the sacked local government officials by the Court of Appeal meant their term was still valid until October 2025. According to Fagbemi, holding another election would violate the Constitution.

He said, “Notwithstanding the judgment of the Court of Appeal referenced above, which in effect means that the term of office of the elected officials has regained currency and will naturally run out in October, 2025, His Excellency has insisted that a new Local Government election shall be held on Saturday, 22nd February, 2025. Any such election that may be held will not only be invalid since the term of office of the elected officials just restored by the judgement of the Court of Appeal will still be running until October 2025, it will also amount to an egregious breach of the Constitution which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold. Again, the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which has validated and entrenched Local Government autonomy also strengthens the obligation on Governor Adeleke to ensure smooth, non-violent transition from one elected officials to another in accordance with the statutorily prescribed 3 year tenure.

“It is, therefore, of utmost importance for Governor Adeleke to advice Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to shelve the idea of proceeding with any Local Government Election now.”

However, speaking during a meeting with a delegation of civil society organizations in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke reassured the public that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) was fully prepared for the polls.

“I welcome you all to Osun state. Our people are prepared for elections tommorow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors.

“OSIEC has also done marvelous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity with the masses”, the statement quoted the Governor as saying to the visiting activists.

“My advice to all parties including local and national stakeholders is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illega self- help.

“Election is going to hold and the outcome will be a fast tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state”, Governor Adeleke added.