By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted 21st february, 2025
The Federal Government has directed Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to suspend the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
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This directive comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), which have unfortunately led to violent clashes resulting in fatalities and injuries.
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, issued a statement on Thursday emphasizing the legal complexities surrounding the planned elections. He highlighted a recent Court of Appeal ruling from February 10, 2025, which overturned a previous Federal High Court judgment that had invalidated the local government elections conducted under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
This appellate decision effectively reinstated the previously removed elected officials, confirming their tenure until October 2025.
Governor Adeleke had initially planned to proceed with the elections, urging citizens to participate. However, AGF Fagbemi cautioned that conducting new elections would contravene the law, as the terms of the reinstated officials are still active. He stated that moving forward with the elections would constitute “an egregious breach of the Constitution,” which the Governor is sworn to uphold.
The conflict traces back to actions taken by Governor Adeleke upon assuming office, where he removed local government chairmen elected during Oyetola’s administration and appointed caretaker committees in their place. This move faced opposition from those who contended that the annulment of the elections was unjust.
In light of the Court of Appeal’s ruling and the ensuing unrest, the Federal Government has urged Governor Adeleke to respect the judicial decision and maintain peace by suspending the planned elections.
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AGF Fagbemi also expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the state government to ensure a lawful and peaceful resolution to the situation.