FG Directs Suspension of Osun Local Government Election

The Federal Government has directed Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to suspend the scheduled local government elections set for Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, issued the directive in response to the ongoing political crisis in the state. In a statement released Thursday, Fagbemi clarified that the Court of Appeal’s ruling on February 10, 2025, nullified the previous decision of the Federal High Court that empowered the governor to dismiss the elected local government officials.

“Accordingly, the judgment of the Court of Appeal had by implication effectively restored the elected Local Government officials removed by the Federal High Court back to their offices,” Fagbemi stated.

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The political turmoil stems from the reinstated chairmen attempting to resume office, leading to violent clashes between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). On February 17, the confrontation resulted in fatalities and injuries.

Despite the legal directives, Governor Adeleke expressed determination to proceed with the elections, urging citizens to exercise their voting rights. Meanwhile, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) denied rumors of military interference in its operations. “Our office was not invaded by military personnel. The report is false, and we urge the public to disregard such misinformation,” stated OSSIEC spokesperson Sadiat Isiaka.

The AGF emphasized that his intervention was aimed at clarifying legal ambiguities and dispelling misinformation surrounding the Court of Appeal’s ruling. “The crisis arose from the reinstated officials’ attempts to resume office and the ensuing resistance from certain groups,” Fagbemi explained.