Local Govt Crisis: Gov Adeleke Dares FG, Insist On Fresh Election, Says AGF Not Court

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By Reporter

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, South West Nigeria has insisted that local government election scheduled for tommorow in Osun State will hold on schedule. Adeleke made the clarification today, February 21, 2025.

The governor’s defiant move comes after the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Federation, Lateef Fagbemi warned yesterday that Adeleke should cancel the scheduled election.

Adeleke’s said the election will hold “…unfailingly under the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).”

The Governor made the assertion earlier today, while receiving a delegation of civil society coalition who were in the state to monitor the local government elections.

“I welcome you all to Osun state. Our people are prepared for elections tommorow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors.

“OSIEC has also done marvelous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity with the masses”, the Governor told the visiting activists.

Reacting to the AGF warning over the election, the Adeleke asserted that democracy is governed by rule of law and that nobody can assume the authority of the courts.

“Election is going to hold and the outcome will be a fast tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state”, Governor Adeleke noted. The statement signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the State Governor said.

Earlier on Thursday February 20th, the AGF urged Governor Adeleke to toe the path of law and shun violence.

“My attention has been drawn to the public outcry of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, concerning the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Akure division delivered on the 10th day of February 2025 in Appeal No CA/AK/272/2022, which nullified and set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun State, delivered on 25th day of November 2022.

“It has become necessary to issue this public notice to remove doubts, fears and uncertainties created by misrepresentations and disinformation concerning the legal effect of the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

“Putting matters in proper context, the event that led to the two judgments was that during the currency of the term of the former Governor, the AGF recalled that a few days before the swearing-in of Governor Adeleke, the Federal High Court Osogbo delivered a judgment, nullifying the LG election.

The AGF noted that “…the judgment of the Court of Appeal has, by implication, effectively restored the elected local government officials removed by the Federal High Court, back to their offices.

“His Excellency, the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke is no doubt aware of this scenario and ought to have, as a leader, called the disgruntled elements to order in accordance with his oath of office to maintain law and order in Osun State,” the AGF said.

The AGF therefore warned Governor Adeleke against holding a fresh Locql Government poll scheduled for Saturday February 22.

“Any such election that may be held will not only be invalid since the term of office of the elected officials just restored by the judgment of the Court of Appeal will still be running until October 2025, it will also amount to an egregious breach of the Constitution which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold.

“Again, the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, which has validated and entrenched local government autonomy also strengthens the obligation on Governor Adeleke to ensure the smooth, non-violent transition from one elected official to another in accordance with the statutorily prescribed three-year tenure.

“For the avoidance of doubt, when proceedings and decisions of the court are declared a nullity for lack of jurisdiction, it means they do not exist and have no effect whatsoever

“I will appeal to His Excellency, Governor Adeleke to toe the path of law in this matter and not instigate unnecessary violence in Osun State. Nobody benefits from violence.

“It is, therefore, of utmost importance for Governor Adeleke to advise Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to shelve the idea of proceeding with any local government election now.”