A fierce political battle has erupted over the recently conducted local government elections in Osun State, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde trading accusations over the legitimacy of the polls.
The APC has called on the Federal Government to freeze allocations to Osun’s local governments, alleging that Governor Ademola Adeleke illegally constituted new council heads. This came just as Governor Adeleke swore in newly elected chairmen, insisting the elections followed due process.
In a strong-worded statement, APC spokesperson Felix Morka denounced the elections as a “disgraceful sham,” accusing Adeleke of violating a Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated sacked council officials until October 2025. The party slammed the election as unconstitutional and a reckless waste of public funds, urging the governor to seek redress in the Supreme Court rather than conducting what it described as an “illegal” election.
Meanwhile, Governor Makinde, speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Osogbo, warned the APC against turning Osun into a “Wild West.” Flanked by PDP Governors Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed, he cautioned against political instability, stating, “The era of federal might is long gone. If there’s a court judgment, there are legal procedures to follow—resorting to self-help is unlawful.”
Governor Adeleke, undeterred by APC’s opposition, defended the elections, stating they were conducted in line with the rule of law. He instructed newly elected officials to stay away from local government secretariats until the judiciary ensures the removal of those he deems illegally occupying the offices.
As tensions rise, political observers worry that the Osun LG crisis could escalate into a larger conflict, testing the strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
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