Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has warned newly elected local government chairmen and councilors to avoid the council secretariats to prevent clashes with individuals who, according to him, were forcefully occupying the offices with police backing.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the 30 newly elected council chairmen, Adeleke emphasized the need for patience and adherence to the rule of law, assuring that the judiciary would handle the removal of those currently occupying the secretariats.
“I urge you and your councilors to please stay away from the council secretariats to avoid any clash with those whom the police had aided to forcefully occupy the local government secretariats,” Adeleke said. “An Osun State High Court had affirmed the vacancies in both the Chairmen and Councilors’ positions in all Osun State Local Governments before your election on February 22, 2025. We will, therefore, rely on the judiciary to ensure a peaceful removal of those illegally occupying the secretariats.”
The governor congratulated the new local government officials, charging them to implement the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) manifesto and work towards grassroots development. He also expressed gratitude to the people of Osun for their unwavering support and commended the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission for conducting the election professionally.
Adeleke took the opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for resisting pressures to intervene in a way that could plunge the state into chaos. “I assure Mr. President of our commitment to the rule of law and the constitution in resolving this matter,” he added.
PDP Governors’ Forum Cautions APC Against Violence
The event also saw the presence of the PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, as well as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who warned against turning Osun into the “Wild Wild West.”
Makinde advised the APC to follow due legal processes if it had any grievances, rather than resorting to self-help. “Even if you have a court judgment, there is a process. You cannot say because you have the so-called federal might, you want to truncate the process. This is a federal arrangement,” he said.
The Oyo State governor called for peace and urged all parties to allow democracy to thrive in Osun.
PDP Commends Voters, Condemns APC
In a separate statement, Osun PDP Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, commended voters for defying alleged intimidation attempts and exercising their rights. He described the election as a victory for democracy, condemning what he called “anti-democratic forces” that sought to disrupt the process.
Bisi also accused APC thugs of resorting to violence, leading to the killing of a voter, Ajilore Ifeoluwa, in Ilesa East. He called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute the alleged killer, Ademoroti Adeboye, who he claimed was a known associate of former Speaker Timothy Owoeye.
“We are greatly alarmed that the APC thugs wrought violence on innocent voters, leading to the death of a barber in Ilesa East. This is totally unacceptable, and we are calling on the police to bring the assailant to justice,” Bisi stated.
Senator Oyewumi Hails Election Outcome
Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi, congratulated the newly elected local government officials, attributing their victory to Governor Adeleke’s leadership and the people’s confidence in the PDP. He urged them to prioritize service delivery and uphold accountability in governance.
“The positive outcome of the local government election is a testament to the governor’s successful governance and the people’s trust in the PDP administration,” he said.
Oyewumi also thanked Osun voters for their unwavering support, assuring them that the PDP would continue to prioritize their welfare and development.
As the political tension in Osun continues, all eyes remain on the judiciary and security agencies to determine the next steps in the unfolding local government leadership dispute.
