The political atmosphere in Osun State has intensified as the All Progressives Congress (APC) has levelled serious allegations against the state government led by Governor Ademola Adeleke. The party claims the government is deliberately instigating legal crises to undermine democratically elected local council officials. In response, the APC has called for the urgent intervention of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
APC's Allegations and Call for Judicial Intervention
Addressing journalists at the party's secretariat in Osogbo, the State APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, outlined the sequence of events leading to the current impasse. He stated that the controversy originated from a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on February 10, 2025, which nullified an earlier decision that had removed APC-elected chairmen and councillors across Osun State.
Lawal emphasised that the state government did not appeal this judgment. In compliance with the ruling, the reinstated council officials resumed their duties on February 17, 2025. However, he alleged that the government's refusal to accept the court's decision led to coordinated attacks on the reinstated officials on that very day. Tragically, these attacks resulted in the death of the then Chairman of Irewole Local Council, Remi Abbas.
The APC chairman further accused the state government of conducting a purported local council election on February 22, 2025, based on a five-month notice. The APC has challenged this exercise in court, and the case remains pending. Lawal described the filing of multiple suits by the state government on the same matter already decided by the Court of Appeal as a clear abuse of court processes.
He called on the NJC to act swiftly on petitions submitted against judges involved, arguing that timely action would strengthen public confidence in the judiciary and discourage resorting to violence.
Workers Resume Amid Tight Security and Low Turnout
In a related development, local government workers across Osun State resumed duty yesterday after an 11-month industrial action that began on February 16, 2025. The strike was triggered by the dispute between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over control of the local councils.
A tour of council secretariats revealed a heavy security presence, with police patrol vehicles stationed at entrances to maintain order. Workers were screened by police personnel before being allowed entry. Despite the resumption, offices recorded a notably low turnout, with only a few workers seen at their desks.
Workers approached by newsmen declined to comment, stating they had been strictly instructed not to speak with the press. The Chairman of Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Dr. Kehinde Ogungbangbe, expressed satisfaction with the resumption but accused the police of bias. He alleged that security operatives permitted APC council chairmen into the secretariats despite warnings that their presence would not be tolerated.
Speaking for the APC council executives, Adegoke Ogunsola denied any police bias, asserting that security personnel were merely upholding legality.
Condemnations and Political Maneuvers
The situation has drawn condemnation from a federal lawmaker. Bamidele Salam, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency, reacted to a viral video showing the humiliation of an Egbedore Local Council worker, Taiwo Adebayo.
Salam accused certain politicians of abusing power and undermining the rule of law in the state, allegedly with police backing. In a statement, he called for the urgent intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, including the withdrawal of officers from what he termed illegal duties in Osun's local councils.
Meanwhile, in a separate event, religious leaders from various denominations in the state gathered for a special prayer session organised by the state government. The clerics, including the Chief Imam of Osogbo, Sheikh Musa Animasahun, and the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. John Adeleke, prayed for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the August 8, 2026, governorship election. They commended his delivery of good governance and devotion to God.
Labour leaders, led by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Abimbola Arapasopo, also spoke at length about the governor's accomplishments. They reaffirmed the labour movement's resolution to vote en masse for his re-election. Arapasopo warned against the ongoing harassment of local government workers by the APC and police, declaring that no intimidation would stop labour's support for the governor.
