By Ayodele Oni
The Federal Government has taken position in the ongoing rift in Osun State over the return of sacked Local Government Chairmen to office.
Reacting through the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi, the Federal Government insisted that the only way out of the logjam is for Governor Ademola Adeleke to stop the conduct of the Local Government election slated for Saturday.
The FG pointed out that as the Chief Security Officer of the state, the governor should direct the State Independent Electoral Commission not to go ahead with the poll.
The statement released on Thursday night stated that “My attention has been drawn to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s response to the Court of Appeal’s judgment delivered on February 10, 2025, in Appeal No. CA/AK/272/2022, which overturned the Federal High Court’s decision of November 25, 2022.
“Under Oyetola’s leadership, local government elections were conducted, and the winners were sworn into office.
“However, just before Adeleke took over, the Federal High Court nullified the process, resulting in their removal. Upon assuming office, Adeleke implemented the court’s decision by replacing them with caretaker committees.
“The AGF further noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenged this decision in the Court of Appeal, which ruled in their favor, declaring the High Court’s judgment invalid and reinstating the removed officials.
“This ruling effectively restores the previously ousted local government officials. However, attempts by these officials to resume their duties have faced resistance. As the state’s leader, Governor Adeleke is responsible for ensuring law and order.
“Despite this judgment, Adeleke has maintained plans to conduct fresh local government elections on February 22, 2025.”
The AGF warned that such an election would be unconstitutional since the reinstated officials still have a valid tenure until October 2025.
“Any election held under these circumstances would be illegal and a direct violation of the constitution, which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold.”
He also referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, stressing that the statutory three-year tenure must be honored.
“When a court ruling is deemed a nullity due to lack of jurisdiction, it carries no legal weight. The Court of Appeal’s judgment remains the only valid legal position, confirming the reinstatement of the elected local government officials.”
Fagbemi urged Governor Adeleke to respect the rule of law and avoid actions that could lead to political unrest in the state.
“Violence benefits no one. The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) should reconsider its plans for a local government election at this time.”
He concluded by expressing readiness to engage in dialogue with the governor to ensure peace and stability in Osun State. “My office remains open for discussions in the interest of peace in Osun and Nigeria at large.”
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