In a scene of violent chaos on Monday morning, gunshots echoed at the gate of the Osogbo Central Local Government Area in Oke Baale, Osogbo, as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed while attempting to enter the State council secretariat. Eyewitnesses reported a harrowing sight: a man, drenched in blood, locked in a fierce struggle with a suspected hoodlum—an individual believed to be acting on behalf of one of the contending political factions.
The incident unfolded in a context of intense political rivalry and a brewing illegal takeover attempt by certain factions within the APC. These groups, reportedly comprising sacked APC Chairmen and councilors, have been accused of trying to seize control of local government councils in Osun State. The violence at the Osogbo Secretariat is the latest manifestation of these tensions, which have drawn widespread condemnation from the public and government alike.
In response to the escalating violence, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke issued a stern directive on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday evening, urging all residents and politicians to steer clear of local government secretariats. “Following reports of a failed illegal takeover bid of local government councils in Osun by the sacked APC Chairmen and councilors, I hereby direct all Osun residents, including politicians across all political divides, to stay away from the local government secretariats to protect public properties and avoid further bloodshed,” he declared.
Governor Adeleke’s call for restraint comes as tensions remain high across various LGAs in Osun State. In a dramatic display of dissent and power struggle, workers from the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) have withdrawn their services statewide, leaving many council secretariats effectively locked and inaccessible. This industrial action has only deepened the crisis, as it compounds the challenges of restoring order and continuity in local governance.
Reports from multiple LGAs highlight the extent of the disruption. At the Atakumosa West Local Government Secretariat, a former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Festus Komolafe, led a group of elected APC members into the premises. However, the group disbanded within minutes, citing resistance from local forces. In Egbedore LGA, tensions escalated further when PDP members, wielding canes, positioned themselves at the entrance, openly challenging any APC operatives who attempted to enter. Similar scenes were reported in Ayedaade LGA, where APC members reportedly arrived at the Gbongan secretariat early in the morning, only to be met with stiff resistance from local PDP loyalists.
One of the most dramatic episodes occurred at the Olorunda Local Government Secretariat in Igbona, Osogbo. Here, armed police operatives were stationed at the junction leading to the secretariat to maintain order. Despite their presence, APC members who had gathered at the entrance were eventually dispersed after a violent confrontation. Security forces, including officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and members of the Amotekun Corps, were on hand, attempting to pacify aggrieved PDP members who had taken up positions at the secretariat’s gate. The gate was ultimately locked, preventing any further entry.
Adding to the chaos, two individuals suspected of using their phones to record the unfolding events were reportedly beaten, and their mobile devices were smashed by unidentified assailants. Eyewitnesses also reported that hoodlums wielding charms aggressively attacked anyone caught filming the incident, an act that has raised serious concerns about freedom of expression and the misuse of state violence in the political arena.
Addressing the escalating situation, the Osun State Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr. Gani Olaoluwa, took to the crowd near the secretariat, urging calm and caution. “We thank you for heeding our call. We won’t allow any illegal takeover here. No court judgment restored them,” Olaoluwa stated, emphasizing that the actions of the rogue APC factions would not be tolerated. His appeal, aimed at de-escalating tensions, was met with mixed reactions from an already agitated crowd.
The unfolding violence at the Osogbo Secretariat is symptomatic of a larger power struggle in Osun State, where political infighting between factions of the APC and rival PDP elements has intensified in recent months. The alleged illegal takeover bid by sacked APC Chairmen and councillors has left many questioning the integrity of local government operations and the rule of law in the state. Critics argue that such attempts to seize control through extrajudicial means not only undermine democratic processes but also jeopardize the stability and security of entire communities.
The ongoing chaos may have far-reaching implications for the upcoming local government elections in Osun State, as public confidence in the electoral process and local governance continues to waver. “This is a clear signal that we are witnessing an unprecedented level of political volatility. If these violent clashes and power grabs persist, it will erode trust in our democratic institutions and could lead to further destabilization,” remarked one seasoned political observer.
As the situation develops, the directive from Governor Ademola Adeleke remains a critical lifeline for ensuring public safety. The governor’s explicit call for all residents and politicians to avoid local government secretariats is a desperate measure aimed at preventing further bloodshed and protecting public assets in a state already reeling from political turmoil.
The incident at the Osogbo Secretariat has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with citizens demanding accountability from all parties involved. Hashtags such as #StopLGClashes and #RestorePeaceInOsun have trended on Twitter, reflecting the deep-seated frustration of a populace that is tired of political violence and instability.
In the coming days, security agencies and local government officials are expected to intensify efforts to restore order and investigate the events that led to the violent clash. Meanwhile, political leaders from both the APC and PDP have been urged to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
The developments in Osun State serve as a stark reminder of the volatile intersection between politics and security in Nigeria. As citizens continue to demand stability and accountability, the outcome of this power struggle will likely have a profound impact on the future of local governance in Osun and possibly beyond.
