Stop Osun LG Poll to Avert Crisis, APC Chieftain Urges Tinubu
Osogbo, Osun State – A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop the local government election scheduled for Saturday, warning that the exercise could escalate violence in the state.
Oyintiloye made the appeal during a press briefing in Osogbo, the state capital, on Thursday. He argued that conducting the poll would be unnecessary, as there is no leadership vacuum in the local councils following the Court of Appeal’s reinstatement of APC chairmen and councillors.
The Osun State Government, however, has insisted on proceeding with the election despite the political tension in the state. This tension stems from the recent takeover of local government secretariats by APC-elected chairmen, which has sparked clashes between supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition APC.
Oyintiloye expressed deep concern over the recent violence in the state, noting that six lives were lost in clashes across various local government areas on Monday, with several others injured. He urged the state government to prioritize the safety of residents and avoid actions that could further destabilize the state.
“The state government must not endanger the lives of residents in the name of politics. If they are dissatisfied with the Court of Appeal’s judgment, they should seek redress at the Supreme Court instead of proceeding with an election that could lead to more bloodshed,” Oyintiloye stated.
He commended security agencies for their efforts in restoring peace but warned that the proposed election could heighten tensions. “I appeal to President Tinubu to prevail on Governor Ademola Adeleke to suspend the election in the interest of peace and security. All we want in Osun is stability, and anything that threatens this must be avoided,” he added.
Oyinloye also reminded Governor Adeleke of the importance of respecting the rule of law, noting that it was the judicial process that brought him into office. “The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property. Governor Adeleke must not allow anything that could lead to further loss of lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) has denied reports of a military siege on its offices and confirmed that the election will proceed as planned. In a statement, OSIEC Chairman, Mr. Segun Oladitan, assured residents of adequate security measures to ensure a peaceful exercise.
Political analysts, however, have expressed concerns over the timing of the election. Dr. Femi Ogunleye, a political science lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, warned that the election could deepen the political divide in the state. “The Court of Appeal’s judgment has already created a complex situation. Holding an election at this time could lead to further clashes unless all parties agree to a peaceful resolution,” he said.
As the debate continues, residents of Osun State remain apprehensive. Many are calling on both the APC and PDP to prioritize dialogue and avoid actions that could plunge the state into chaos.
Oyinloye, while condoling with the families of those who lost their lives in the recent violence, reassured that APC members in the state would remain law-abiding and continue to support constitutional measures to safeguard the lives and property of Osun residents.
The coming days will be critical as stakeholders weigh the implications of the election against the need for peace and stability in the state.
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Stop Osun LG Poll to Avert Crisis, APC Chieftain Urges Tinubu