In a fierce showdown over local council control in Osun State, the APC and Governor Adeleke’s government spar over conflicting court judgements, sparking deadly violence and widespread condemnation.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state government led by Governor Ademola Adeleke have found themselves at loggerheads following divergent court judgements on the control of local government councils. The controversy, rooted in conflicting rulings from the Court of Appeal and a Federal High Court, has led to a series of confrontations that underscore the volatile nature of Nigeria’s political landscape.
Legal Dispute Over Local Council Control
The heart of the crisis lies in a disputed legal interpretation regarding the status of local government officials in Osun State. The APC contends that its elected local government officials have been reinstated by the Court of Appeal judgement. However, Governor Adeleke has vehemently rejected this assertion, stating that the officials remain sacked as dictated by a prior Federal High Court decision. This legal dissonance has not only created a governance vacuum in several council areas but also fueled partisan confrontations.
The diverging court rulings have left stakeholders and residents in Osun State grappling with uncertainty. With the APC arguing that the judiciary has validated their claim, and the Governor insisting on the validity of the High Court’s decision, the ongoing discord has become a microcosm of the broader national debate on judicial interpretation and executive authority.
Violence and Loss of Life
Tensions reached a boiling point on Monday when efforts to enforce the contentious judgement resulted in tragic violence. In a brutal turn of events, six individuals lost their lives during the confrontation, including the council chairman of Irewole Local Government Area. This fatal incident has shocked residents and reignited debates on the proper role of the judiciary and the security forces in managing political disputes.
The loss of life is a stark reminder of how legal and political battles can rapidly devolve into violent confrontations. Community leaders, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders have since called for calm and a return to dialogue, emphasizing that any action that endangers lives undermines the very foundations of democracy in Nigeria.
APC Regroups and Takes Over Local Government Secretariats
Following the violent confrontation, APC officials regrouped swiftly. In a coordinated effort, they took control of numerous local government council secretariats across the state. The takeover spanned several council areas including Obokun, Ife-East, Odo-Otin, Atakumosa-West, Orolu, Ejigbo, Ifelodun, Ilesa-West, Olorunda, Boluwaduro, and Boripe. This decisive move by the APC underscores its determination to assert its interpretation of the court’s ruling, regardless of the legal ambiguities that have long plagued the dispute.
Reinstated Officials Freeze LG Accounts to Curb Illegal Transactions
In a bid to establish order and prevent financial mismanagement during this period of uncertainty, Mr. Abiodun Idowu, the chairman of the All Local Government Officials’ Network (ALGON), announced that the accounts of the council areas under dispute had been frozen. Speaking at the Ileri-Oluwa campaign office, Idowu stressed that the reinstated officials are committed to working alongside Governor Adeleke to foster development in the state.
Idowu remarked, “Following our official resumption of office in 26 local government council areas, each one of us has ordered the immediate freezing of various council accounts. This will curb any form of illegal transaction as such will have consequences.” His statement highlights the urgency with which the APC is attempting to impose fiscal discipline amid the crisis.
Governor Adeleke Condemns the Takeover as a “Rape of Democracy”
Governor Ademola Adeleke has been vocal in his denunciation of the APC’s actions. Describing the takeover of the council secretariats as a “rape of democracy,” he lambasted the actions of those involved and questioned the role of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in the unfolding events. During a meeting with British Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Jonny Baxter at his Osogbo office, Adeleke accused the IGP of colluding with the APC to enforce what he termed a “non-existing court order.”
Adeleke’s comments underline his concern that these actions not only undermine the rule of law but also threaten the democratic fabric of the state. “It is unfortunate and a disservice to democracy that the Inspector General of Police is colluding with the APC to enforce a non-existing court order,” he stated. The governor further warned that the actions of the police and other security agencies, if left unchecked, could escalate into further violence and jeopardize the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday.
Assembly Speaker and Political Leaders Weigh In
The crisis has drawn widespread condemnation from various political quarters. Mr. Adewale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, described the forceful takeover as an affront to the rule of law. Egbedun emphasized that the APC’s actions represent a direct attack on the democratic institutions of Osun State and posed a serious threat to public peace and order.
In another twist to the saga, Mr. Sunday Bisi, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, claimed that the deployment of Special Forces to control local government secretariats was part of a plot to assassinate Governor Adeleke. He argued that these maneuvers had been in the works since the APC lost power in the 2022 elections.
However, the APC has dismissed these assassination plot claims. APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal retorted, “If someone alleges that they want to assassinate the governor; that is a treasonable offence. I wonder if he’s only trying to protect the Governor or escalate the situation on hand.” Lawal’s dismissal underscores the deep partisan divides that continue to fuel the crisis.
Intervention by the House of Representatives
Amid the chaos, the House of Representatives has stepped in, recognizing the potential for widespread instability if the situation is not contained. A motion of urgent public importance was moved by Mr. Bamidele Salam and nine other representatives from Osun State during a plenary session in Abuja. The motion called on the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Security, and other security heads to restore law, order, peace, and tranquillity in Osun State immediately.
Mr. Salam highlighted that the violence on February 17, 2025, was the direct result of an attempt by sacked officials to unlawfully seize control of local government councils. He warned that if decisive action was not taken against this lawlessness, the situation could escalate into severe security challenges for the state and the nation at large.
Implications for Democracy and the Rule of Law
The unfolding events in Osun State represent more than just a localized political dispute; they are symptomatic of larger challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy. With multiple judicial decisions in conflict and political leaders locked in a bitter power struggle, the situation has raised serious concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral and governance processes.
As Osun State braces for local government elections amid this turmoil, the stakes are higher than ever. Observers note that any further erosion of the rule of law could have long-lasting implications for the entire nation’s democratic fabric. Both political parties and security agencies have a critical role to play in ensuring that the principles of justice, law, and democracy prevail over partisan interests.
The crisis in Osun State remains fluid, with developments unfolding rapidly. Stakeholders from across the political spectrum are urging calm and a return to legal processes to resolve the dispute. As the local government elections approach, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Osun, with many hoping that a peaceful and lawful resolution can be achieved before further blood is shed.
In the meantime, the clash between the APC and Governor Adeleke’s government serves as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in balancing judicial decisions with political realities in Nigeria.
