Osun LG Election Will Hold Saturday, Adeleke Insists
Despite an appeal from the Federal Government, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke remains firm in his decision to proceed with the local government elections in the South-West state.
In a statement issued on Friday by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, the governor emphasized that the elections would go ahead, despite a request from the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to suspend the polls.
“As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help. The election will hold, and its outcome will drive fast-tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state,” the statement read, also urging political parties and stakeholders to “abide by democratic norms.”
“Our people are ready for the elections tomorrow. They are eager to choose their chairmen and councillors. The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) has done an excellent job preparing for the polls, according to reports I have received. Multiple political parties are participating, and I believe there will be a level playing field for all to test their popularity with the masses,” the governor added.
The Attorney General had called on Adeleke the previous day to direct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to halt the election, warning that it would be invalid and a violation of the Constitution.
Fagbemi referenced the recent Court of Appeal ruling in Akure, which overturned an earlier Federal High Court decision that had nullified the local government elections held under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. The ruling effectively reinstated the sacked council chairmen, whose tenure, according to the AGF, is valid until October 2025.
He cautioned that holding the election would not only be invalid due to the ongoing term of office of the reinstated officials but would also constitute a serious breach of the Constitution, which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold.
