Legal Battles and Violence Overshadow Osun LG Polls
As Osun State prepares for its contentious local government elections on Saturday, February 22, 2025, the political landscape remains fraught with legal battles, conflicting claims, and escalating violence, raising serious concerns about the credibility of the polls.
The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains steadfast in its decision to proceed with the elections, despite mounting opposition from the All Progressives Congress (APC), which insists that no vacancies exist in the local councils. The dispute has been exacerbated by conflicting court rulings and a directive from the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, advising the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to halt the process.
Judicial Confusion and Legal Entanglements
The controversy stems from a Court of Appeal ruling delivered on February 10, 2025, in suit number FHC/OS/CS/94/2022, which effectively reinstated APC officials who were elected in the October 15, 2022, local government election but were removed from office after just six weeks. The ruling, which voided the PDP’s originating summons challenging the APC’s tenure, has emboldened the opposition party to demand the reinstatement of its officials.
Former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has actively pushed for the immediate reinstatement of APC chairmen and councillors, urging security agencies to enforce the court’s ruling. Speaking to party members in Osogbo, Oyetola framed the legal victory as a triumph for democracy, while his supporters celebrated what they saw as a judicial endorsement of their claim to power.
However, the Osun State Government, through Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Kolapo Alimi, has countered this narrative, arguing that the judgment did not contain any consequential orders reinstating the APC officials. Furthermore, the government pointed to a separate ruling from the Court of Appeal, Akure Division (CA/AK/226m/2024), which upheld an earlier Federal High Court judgment that nullified the October 15, 2022, election. The APC’s decision to abandon an appeal on that case, which was subsequently dismissed on January 13, 2025, means that the ruling against their claim remains legally binding, according to the PDP-led government.
Escalating Violence and Political Tensions
Beyond the legal wrangling, the situation on the ground has deteriorated into violence. The attempt by APC chairmen and councillors to forcefully resume office led to widespread clashes across the state, culminating in multiple fatalities. In Irewole Local Government, one chairman, Aderemi Abass, was reportedly murdered at the entrance of the council secretariat by suspected political thugs. Similar violent outbreaks in Iragbiji resulted in at least six confirmed deaths and several injuries, prompting fears of a wider breakdown in law and order.
Despite the escalating tensions, the OSSIEC chairman, Hashim Abioye, remains resolute in moving forward with the polls. In a public address, he assured residents that the elections would proceed as scheduled and urged them to participate without fear. However, in a dramatic turn, the APC has officially withdrawn from the elections, declaring them illegitimate given the appellate court ruling in their favor. In a letter signed by its secretary, Olabisi Kamoru, the party dismissed the polls as “unnecessary, superfluous, and unlawful.”
The Underlying Battle for Resources
While the official discourse centers on legality and democratic principles, the core of the dispute appears to be control over local government resources. According to Jamiu Olawumi, a former special adviser to the Osun State governor, local governments receive an average of N9 billion monthly. He warned against any attempts to divert these funds and stressed that APC officials were prepared to work with Governor Ademola Adeleke to ensure grassroots development.
However, the PDP-led government has dismissed these assertions, insisting that the APC has no legal claim to council funds and branding their move to freeze local government accounts as a “comedy.”
What Next for Osun?
With the election just hours away, Osun State finds itself in a precarious position. The PDP-led government is determined to push forward with the polls despite legal ambiguities and widespread violence. The APC, emboldened by the court ruling, is refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of the process. Meanwhile, citizens are caught in the crossfire of political brinkmanship, legal gymnastics, and violent confrontations.
As the sun rises on election day, the fundamental question remains: will Osun State witness a democratic process or yet another descent into lawlessness? With security concerns at an all-time high and legal disputes far from resolved, the integrity of the local government election remains in serious doubt.
Reference
Legal Battles and Violence Overshadow Osun LG Polls