The political tension in Osun State took a sharp turn this week as Senator Iyiola Omisore, former deputy governor of the state, launched a blistering attack on the recent local government elections conducted by Governor Ademola Adeleke. According to Omisore, the elections held on Saturday were “illegal,” and the governor’s actions have pushed the state to the precipice of anarchy and potential emergency rule.
Omisore, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), publicly condemned the electoral exercise, claiming it violated both the law and a standing court judgment. His comments, delivered in a strongly worded statement, accuse Adeleke of orchestrating a series of unlawful actions that, in his view, could spiral into a serious breakdown of law and order across all 30 local government areas in the state.
A Violation of Court Orders
At the heart of Omisore’s criticism is the Court of Appeal ruling that had reinstated 30 local government chairmen and councillors who were ousted following the controversial 2021 local government elections. The court’s decision, which Omisore described as “clear and unambiguous,” found that the elected officials had been unlawfully removed from office.
However, despite the court ruling, Governor Adeleke’s administration proceeded with the election of new council officials, disregarding the judicial directive. Omisore accused the state government of undermining the rule of law by conducting what he termed “imaginary” polls to fill non-existent vacancies, essentially invalidating the judicial process and further compounding the political crisis in Osun State.
“This reckless act of disobedience to the court’s ruling is not only a slap in the face of democracy but also a dangerous precedent that can lead to catastrophic consequences,” Omisore stated. “The governor’s actions are tantamount to a direct assault on the judiciary and the very foundations of our democracy.”
Alleged Motive: Control Over Council Funds
Omisore suggested that the governor’s decision to push forward with the elections, despite the clear legal roadblocks, was driven by a desire to control local government resources. He insinuated that Adeleke’s administration was motivated by personal and political gain, seeking to channel the funds from the councils for their own purposes.
“It is not just about an election,” Omisore said. “It is about controlling the massive resources that belong to the local governments. By disregarding the court judgment, Adeleke is paving the way for the misappropriation of public funds, and this cannot be allowed to happen in our state.”
The former senator did not mince words in condemning the state electoral commission, which he accused of acting as an instrument in the hands of the governor. He described the commission’s involvement in the elections as a “shameless charade” orchestrated by its “paymaster.”
The Crisis Ahead
Omisore’s warning of a potential crisis if the situation is not addressed was grave. He predicted that the actions of Governor Adeleke could lead to widespread unrest and instability, with the state’s citizens growing increasingly dissatisfied with the disregard for legal rulings and the erosion of democratic principles.
“If there is a breakdown of law and order in Osun State, the responsibility will rest squarely on the shoulders of Governor Adeleke,” Omisore declared. “His determination to ignore wise counsel and violate the court’s orders will have dire consequences, and I fear that we are on the brink of a major political crisis.”
The former deputy governor emphasized that the governor’s reckless conduct had already set the stage for a potential declaration of a state of emergency in Osun, citing the escalating tension as a result of the unlawful elections. “What we are witnessing is the unfolding of a dangerous game that could push Osun to the edge of chaos,” he said.
The Governor’s Response
As of the time of writing, Governor Adeleke had not issued an official response to Omisore’s accusations. However, sources close to the state government have expressed confidence that the elections were legally sound, with the necessary procedures followed and the involvement of the state electoral commission above board.
The governor’s supporters have also defended his actions, arguing that the elections were a necessary step to ensure the proper functioning of local governments, despite the court’s ruling. They claim that the reinstatement of the old local government officials was a temporary arrangement, and the new elections were essential to bringing stability to the state’s councils.
A Call for National Attention
Omisore’s statement has drawn attention beyond Osun State, with political analysts raising concerns over the implications of the ongoing legal and political standoff. Critics argue that the situation in Osun could have a ripple effect on other states, especially if the governor’s actions go unchecked.
“This is not just an issue for Osun,” said political analyst Tunde Adebayo. “What happens in Osun could set a precedent for other states in Nigeria where court rulings are ignored by state governments. This is a test of the resilience of our democracy and the rule of law.”
Adebayo went on to stress the importance of upholding the principles of democracy, stating that “ignoring the rule of law can only lead to further chaos and instability. It is crucial that the federal government, as well as relevant legal bodies, intervene to ensure that justice is done.”
What Lies Ahead?
The political temperature in Osun State remains high as the dust settles on the controversial elections. With Omisore’s strong condemnation of the process and the governor’s insistence on continuing the elections, the stage appears set for a prolonged political battle. Whether this will lead to a breakdown of law and order, as Omisore fears, remains to be seen.
In the coming days, it is likely that the political tension in Osun will escalate, with both sides hardening their positions. As Omisore warned, if the state’s leadership does not heed the legal framework in place, Osun could face a turbulent and unpredictable future. The outcome of this political crisis will likely have lasting effects on the state’s governance and its citizens’ trust in the democratic process.
