Tensions have reached a boiling point in Osun State as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) forcefully took control of local government secretariats across the state on Tuesday, February 20, 2025. This move follows a long-standing political battle between the APC and the state government over the control of local government councils. The dispute has intensified since a Court of Appeal ruling, with both parties claiming victory.
The APC officials argue that they have been reinstated into office following the Court of Appeal’s decision, which overturned previous rulings. However, Governor Ademola Adeleke of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected this, citing a Federal High Court ruling that declared the APC officials’ election null and void. He insists the officials remain sacked and their takeover illegal.
The situation became even more volatile earlier in the week. On Monday, February 17, violence erupted across several parts of the state as APC officials attempted to forcefully take control of their respective local government secretariats. This attempt led to the tragic deaths of six individuals, including the council chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, deepening the crisis and sparking fears of further bloodshed.
Despite this, the APC regrouped and proceeded with their takeover of multiple local government offices on Tuesday. Among the affected areas were Obokun, Ife-East, Odo-Otin, Atakumosa-West, Orolu, Ejigbo, Ifelodun, Ilesa-West, Olorunda, Boluwaduro, and Boripe.
The situation took another turn when Mr Abiodun Idowu, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Osun State, announced that the accounts of all 26 local governments would be frozen. This move, according to Idowu, was made to prevent illegal transactions and ensure that no funds could be misused by those the APC deems illegitimate.
“Following our official resumption of office in 26 local government council areas, each one of us has ordered the immediate freezing of various council accounts. This will curb any form of illegal transaction as such will have consequences,” Idowu told journalists at the Ileri-Oluwa campaign office.
The freezing of accounts is seen as a significant step in asserting the APC’s control over the councils, though it has further heightened tensions in the state. It remains to be seen whether this action will escalate the political standoff or help bring about a resolution.
Governor Adeleke has strongly condemned the APC’s actions, describing the forceful takeover as a “rape of democracy.” He expressed his frustration during a meeting with the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter, in Osogbo, saying that the involvement of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in supporting the APC’s actions is a dangerous threat to democracy.
“It is unfortunate and a disservice to democracy that the Inspector General of Police is colluding with the APC to enforce a non-existing court order. This is a serious threat to democracy in Nigeria,” Adeleke said. He also voiced concerns that security forces had aided the APC in carrying out the takeover, despite the lack of any legal basis for their actions.
Governor Adeleke has vowed to press on with his plans for local government elections on Saturday, February 24, 2025, and assured the people of Osun that they would not allow democracy to be destroyed by illegal actions. “Our local government election is holding on Saturday. Our people are ready for elections. We will not allow democracy to be destroyed,” he affirmed.
The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Adewale Egbedun, also weighed in on the crisis, calling the invasion of local government secretariats an “affront to the rule of law.” He condemned the actions of the APC officials and called for the immediate cessation of all illegal activities.
“This unlawful invasion is not only a direct attack on our democratic institutions but also a clear violation of the rule of law and a threat to public peace and order,” Egbedun stated. He was particularly alarmed by the role of law enforcement agencies, who were present while the illegal takeovers were happening. “Law enforcement agencies must never be seen aiding and abetting criminal activities,” he added.
In an alarming twist, the Chairman of the Osun State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Sunday Bisi, claimed that the APC’s efforts to take control of the local councils were part of a larger plot to assassinate Governor Adeleke. Bisi suggested that the deployment of Special Forces was an attempt to destabilize the state and remove the governor from power.
“The plans have been on the cards of the APC in Osun State since the good people of Osun State voted them out of office in 2022,” Bisi said, adding that this plot was intended to silence the governor and regain power through violent means.
The APC, however, dismissed the allegation as unfounded. APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal labelled the claim “funny” and questioned the motive behind Bisi’s statement. “If someone alleges that they want to assassinate the governor; that is a treasonable offence. I wonder if he’s only trying to protect the Governor or escalate the situation on hand,” Lawal said. He suggested that Bisi should be invited to defend his claims, calling the allegation “crying wolf where there is none.”
The situation in Osun State has drawn national attention, and the House of Representatives has now stepped in. Following a motion moved by Mr Bamidele Salam and other members from Osun State, the House has set up an investigative committee to probe the ongoing crisis.
The House also called on the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Security, and other security heads to take immediate action to restore peace and security in the state. In his address, Mr Salam warned that if the situation is not addressed swiftly, it could escalate into a larger security crisis.
“The violence broke out in several parts of Osun State as a result of an attempt to take over the administration of local governments by officials who were sacked by court judgement in November 2022,” Salam said. “If prompt action is not taken against this lawlessness, it may escalate into more serious security challenges.”
