The Osun State House of Assembly has strongly condemned the forceful takeover of local government secretariats by members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as an unlawful act that threatens democracy and public order.
Addressing a world press conference at the Assembly Complex in Osogbo, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, accused the APC of engaging in “political banditry” by attempting to seize local government offices despite court rulings nullifying their tenure.
“Today, members of the APC forcefully broke into local government secretariats across the state. 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,” Egbedun said.
The Speaker also expressed concerns over the presence of security agencies during the incident, alleging that some officers aided the opposition party in carrying out the illegal acts.
Egbedun cited a Federal High Court ruling in Osogbo that declared the local government elections held on October 15, 2022, as unconstitutional. The Court of Appeal, in a judgment delivered on January 13, 2025, upheld the decision, affirming that those elected under the voided process had no legal claim to office.
“Despite this clear and subsisting judgment, APC members have resorted to self-help and brute force in an attempt to illegally occupy government offices, leading to violent confrontations that have already resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property,” Egbedun stated.
Following the crisis, Governor Ademola Adeleke directed all individuals, regardless of political affiliation, to stay away from local government secretariats to maintain law and order. The Speaker noted that the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has complied with the directive, emphasizing that the party prioritizes peace over political confrontation.
Egbedun called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take swift action, alleging that the police have been compromised due to political affiliations. He specifically referenced the relationship between former Osun governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, and the IGP, warning that security agencies must not be used as political tools.
The Assembly urged the IGP to,Evict illegal occupants from local government secretariats.Arest and prosecute those involved in the invasion, Sanction police officers who facilitated or failed to prevent the act.,Restore public confidence in the police force.and Prevent further violence and political intimidation.
Despite the crisis, Egbedun assured Osun residents that the local government elections scheduled for February 22, 2025, would proceed as planned. He encouraged voters to turn out in large numbers and called on security agencies to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The Assembly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, stating that the political instability in Osun could set a dangerous precedent for the Southwest and Nigeria as a whole.
“Mr. President, this is a test of leadership. We urge you to intervene immediately to prevent Osun State from descending into chaos,” Egbedun appealed.
The Speaker urged Osun residents to remain calm and law-abiding while assuring them that justice would be served.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this senseless violence. Their deaths must not be in vain. Justice must and will prevail,” he said.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to upholding democracy, maintaining peace, and ensuring the rule
