The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to postpone the local government election set for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
The AGF explained that on February 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Akure overturned the Federal High Court’s ruling in Osogbo, dated November 25, 2022. Fagbemi emphasized that the appellate court’s decision meant that the All Progressives Congress (APC) local council chairmen, previously dismissed by the lower court, have now been reinstated.
Since Monday, at least six people have been confirmed dead due to clashes between APC and PDP members in Osun State over control of local government councils.
Prior to the violence, Governor Adeleke, who is with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had raised concerns about APC members, allegedly backed by security forces, attempting to seize control of the council secretariats.
He also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution one of his ministers, Gboyega Oyetola of the APC, about the looming conflict.
Fagbemi stated, “The Court of Appeal’s judgment effectively reinstated the elected local government officials removed by the Federal High Court and restored their positions. Based on the information I have received, the resistance from some disgruntled groups arose when these elected officials attempted to resume their duties, leading to the ongoing crisis.”
The AGF continued, “Governor Adeleke, as the state’s leader, should have taken action to calm these disgruntled elements and uphold law and order, in line with his Oath of Office.
Despite the Court of Appeal’s ruling, which means the terms of the reinstated officials are valid until October 2025, Governor Adeleke has insisted on holding a new local government election on February 22, 2025.”
Fagbemi stressed that holding such an election would be invalid because the term of office of the elected officials, now reinstated by the Court of Appeal, will still be in effect until October 2025.
He added that conducting the election would be a significant constitutional violation, as Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold the Constitution.
He also referenced the recent Supreme Court ruling validating and strengthening local government autonomy, which further emphasizes Governor Adeleke’s responsibility to ensure a peaceful and legal transition of elected officials in accordance with the mandated three-year tenure.
