A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adeniyi Ismail Oluwatosin (AIO) has urged Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke to respect the rule of law and suspend the planned local government election scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Recall the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi had urged Adeleke to instruct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to halt the election, warning that it would be invalid and a violation of the Constitution.
Fagbemi referenced the recent Court of Appeal ruling in Akure, which overturned an earlier Federal High Court judgment that nullified the previous local government elections conducted under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
The ruling effectively reinstated the sacked council chairmen, whose tenure, according to the AGF, remains valid until October 2025.
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Corroborating the AGF’s position, Chief Adeniyi urged Adeleke to heed to AGF’s legal advice and refrain from actions that could lead to unnecessary political tension.
Chief Adeniyi said: “Doing this will be the best decision following the recent and needless bloodshed that occurred earlier this week.
“As the people of Osun, we are known for peace and prosperity. I urge all stakeholders, beyond party affiliations, to come together and advise the governor to abort this ambition of an election, if not for anything, at least for the respect for the rule of law, peace, and in honour of the dead.
“Mr. Governor, please do not forget that the Court of Appeal has reinstated the duly elected local government officials, affirming that their tenure remains valid until October 2025.
“Any attempt to proceed with a fresh election is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to judicial authority. The governor must not take actions that could destabilize the peace of our state.
“The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has clearly stated that any attempt to conduct this election would be invalid and a violation of the Constitution. I urge Governor Adeleke to heed this legal advice and refrain from actions that could lead to unnecessary political tension.
“The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) must also respect this ruling and halt any preparations for the planned election. It is our collective responsibility to uphold democracy and ensure that the will of the people prevails.
“I call on all APC members and the good people of Osun State to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will not be intimidated or silenced. Our commitment to justice, democracy, and the rule of law remains unwavering, and we expect Governor Adeleke to uphold the Constitution he swore to protect.”