The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, directing him to suspend the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025. The directive follows a Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated local government officials sacked by Adeleke’s administration, throwing the state into a political and legal crisis.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in a strongly worded statement on Thursday, cautioned that any attempt to proceed with the elections would be a violation of the Nigerian Constitution. He insisted that the tenure of the reinstated officials remains intact until October 2025 and described Adeleke’s insistence on conducting fresh elections as “an egregious breach of the Constitution.”
Legal Ruling Favors APC Officials
The controversy dates back to the administration of former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, under whom local government elections were conducted, leading to the swearing-in of elected officials across the state. However, days before Adeleke took office in November 2022, the Federal High Court in Osogbo nullified the election, citing irregularities.
Acting on the court ruling, Adeleke removed the APC-backed local government chairmen and councilors, replacing them with caretaker appointees. The All Progressives Congress (APC) challenged this decision, taking the matter to the Court of Appeal in Akure, which, on February 10, 2025, ruled in favor of the sacked officials, restoring them to office and striking out the Federal High Court judgment.
Fagbemi stressed the legal implications of the ruling, noting that “the judgment of the Court of Appeal had by implication effectively restored the elected local government officials removed by the Federal High Court, back to their offices.”
Crisis Erupts as PDP Resists Court Ruling
The reinstatement of the APC-backed officials led to widespread resistance, particularly from supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Violent clashes erupted across several local government secretariats, leading to casualties. Reports indicate that a former local government chairman was killed, while several others sustained injuries as rival political factions battled for control.
Governor Adeleke’s administration has blamed the crisis on the APC and former Governor Oyetola, now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. In response, Adeleke vowed that the elections would proceed as planned, urging the people of Osun State to turn out in large numbers.
Despite the tensions, Fagbemi condemned Adeleke’s stance, stating that “the governor ought, as a leader, to have called the disgruntled elements to order in accordance with his oath of office to maintain law and order in Osun State.”
FG Declares Fresh Election Invalid
The AGF asserted that Adeleke’s decision to organize fresh local government elections was legally untenable. According to Fagbemi, the tenure of the previously removed officials is still valid and must be respected. He emphasized that any attempt to proceed with fresh elections would amount to “an unconstitutional act that will not stand in law.”
“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 judgment 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,” Fagbemi stated.
The AGF further referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling that reinforced local government autonomy, warning that Adeleke must respect constitutional provisions governing the tenure of elected officials.
Call for Restraint and Dialogue
Fagbemi urged Adeleke and the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to halt the planned election, warning of legal consequences should they proceed. He also emphasized the need for peace in the state, calling on all parties to respect judicial decisions rather than escalating tensions.
“It is, therefore, of utmost importance for Governor Adeleke to advise OSIEC to shelve the idea of proceeding with any local government election now,” he said.
The AGF also signaled his willingness to engage in dialogue with the Osun State government to prevent further political turmoil and ensure a peaceful resolution to the crisis. “Political disagreements should not lead to unnecessary conflict. We are ready to discuss with all stakeholders to find a peaceful and lawful resolution,” he added.
