There is confusion among local government workers in Osun State over the conflicting directives on work resumption.
The reinstated council chairmen and councillors across 30 local governments, who claimed to have resumed offices, directed workers who had embarked on strike to resume today.
They gave the workers a 72-hour ultimatum to return to work or face the consequences.
However, the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) directed workers to keep away from the secretariats because of likely violence.
Justifying the strike, NLC Chairman Comrade Chris Arapasopo said an unconductive atmosphere has persisted in the state, adding that the union cannot compromise the safety of workers.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) members have been at loggerheads over the decision of Governor Ademola Adeleke to conduct council polls, despite the reinstatement of sacked local government chairmen and councillors.
The move by the reinstated helmsmen to gain control of the secretariats degenerated into violence in some councils last week.
A reinstated council chairman was killed by suspected thugs at Ikire and five others in other councils.
The swearing-in of the new chairmen – all PDP members – by Adeleke on Sunday has heightened the tension across the state.
Apparently to avert further clashes, the governor ordered the new chairmen to stay away from the councils, pending the resolution of the crisis.
Yesterday, there was anxiety as the reinstated executives returned to their respective secretariats.
Policemen effectively manned the gates of the secretariats in Boripe Osogbo, Olorunda, Ifelodun and Boluwaduro local governments.
APC chieftain, Jamiu Olawumi, confirmed that the reinstated chairmen have resumed work.
He said: “We have resumed in all local government areas of the state. The authentic chairmen have even issued 72-hour ultimatum to striking workers of the councils to resume their posts.”
But Arapasopo, in a memo to workers, said that since their safety is not guaranteed due to the political upheaval, they should continue to withdraw their services.
He said: “NLC remains resolute in its commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the masses. We shall not be cowed or intimidated by these desperate attempts to silence us. We stand firm in our resolve to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law in our beloved state.”
The Osun State Chairman of Allied Peoples Movement(APM), Adebayo Adewale cautioned Adeleke against using the state allocation to bankroll the newly elected chairmen and councillors.
He described the new council executives as ‘sit-at-home’ chairmen and councillors.
Adewale said: “We are so displeased with our governor, Adeleke, for breaching the constitution he sworn to uphold. He flaunted the Court of Appeal verdict, despite warnings from the Federal Government and IGP.
“When the governor openly kicked against the law, how would the rule of law reign in Osun State? When the governor is lawless, what moral justification would he have to preach orderliness?”
He added: “It is our strong advice that our governor, should not use state allocation to fund illegal council sit-at-home chairmen because we are sure that the Federal Government will stop money going to the councils amid the crisis.”
The APC Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, in a statement. alleged that “Adeleke has concluded plans to attack the legally-reinstated chairmen and councillors through Amotekun Corps and non-state actors imported from Oyo State and the Niger Delta.”
He said :“The intelligence information available at our disposal indicated that the governor’s political dynasty currently headed by the business mogul, Dr Deji Adeleke, were displeased with the national embarrassment and media backlash experienced on account of the charade election conducted by the government.
“Our discoveries also fingered the Chairman of PDP Governor’s Forum, Senator Bala Muhammed, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as part of the plots to stoke crises and inflame Osun State to criminalise and demonise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We call on the people not to take Governor Adeleke serious. That has been his antics. He will issue a peace-prone directive and at the end would be promoting violence underground.”
Adeleke is a crisis manager, says aide
The governor’s mefia aide, Olawale Rasheed, said APC was blackmailing his boos, who he described him as crisis manager with an eye on public peace and prosperity.
He said the governor’s style has led to the sustenance of peace across the state despite the evil plot of the opposition.
Rasheed said in a statement that the allegation by the APC is “a baseless concoction without any iota of truth.”
He added: “ From the beginning of the face off, the governor, being a security expert and a criminologist, had deployed his skills of conflict resolution to sustain peace even with the worst of provocations.
“The mapping of the entire state revealed that the opposition APC was mainly interested in burning the state down and destroying the elected political structures.
“The outcome is the peace we are enjoying today in Osun state. Osun people are peacefully running their lives with huge gratitude to the governor. The APC, on the contrary, is in severe pain for all its destructive plans against Osun and her people have failed.
“So, the opposition resorted to blackmail and name calling. Neither the visiting governors nor our Chief of Staff imported any hoodlums into the state.
“Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Muhammed came to Osun on a solidarity peace mission based on their statutory positions within the Governors’ Forum and their message was that parties to the face off should abide by the rule of law and avoid illegal self-help.”
Omoworare: reinstatement, an act of God
Senator Babajide Omoworare called on Adeleke to act as a statesman and respect the recent decision of the Court of Appeal reinstating the duly elected chairmen, whose tenure has not expired.
The senator emphasised that this reinstatement should be seen as an Act of God and a triumph of justice.
In a statement in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Omoworare stressed that the judgment upon which the governor initially sacked the local government chairmen has now been struck out by the Court of Appeal
He said the extant and binding legal position is that the APC chairmen remain validly in office, making any further attempt to undermine their positions unjustifiable.
Omoworare said: “In the spirit of democracy and respect for the rule of law, I urge Governor Adeleke to return all parties to status quo ante bellum without unnecessary delay,” Omoworare stated. He further implored the Governor and his legal team to follow due process by appealing the Court of Appeal’s judgment to the Supreme Court, rather than taking executive actions that disregard the judiciary.”
Drawing a comparative analysis, Omoworare noted that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), serving under an APC-led federal government, had previously advised an APC-led government in Edo State in a similar fashion. Thus, the AGF’s counsel to Governor Adeleke on this matter should not be seen as politically motivated but rather as a call for legal consistency and fairness.
Omoworare said in light of the Court of Appeal’s ruling, it is very wrong for the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) and Adeleke to have conducted the local government elections on February 22, 2025.
He argued that the election was an unnecessary expenditure of public funds, an avoidable escalation of political tension, and ultimately, a futile exercise given the legal reality. He said “you can’t put something on nothing”.
Omoworare expressed his gratitude to the people of Osun State for their patience and commitment to the rule of law.
He thanked the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for maintaining peace despite the initial violence that took place last week in some parts of the state.
The Osun State Government held a local government election last Saturday despite a Court of Appeal judgment that effectively restored the elected officials removed by the Federal High Court. But the state said it complied with another judgment of the Federal High Court in a separate case. Will the election stand a legal test, and how can the logjam be resolved? Deputy News Editor JOSEPH JIBUEZE examines the issues.
The outcome of last Saturday’s local government election was not surprising.
The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in all the 30 local government areas.
Winners have since been issued their certificates of return. But will they resume?
Governor Ademola Adeleke asked them to stay away from the council secretariats – in the meantime.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) withdrew from the election, citing the February 10 Court of Appeal reinstating its sacked officials.
The Court of Appeal, Akure division, in Appeal No CA/AK/272/2022, nullified and set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun State, delivered on November 25, 2022.
How it began
Under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, an election was held in all the local governments of Osun State and winners were sworn in.
A few days before the swearing-in of Adeleke, the Federal High Court, Osogbo, nullified the election and removed the chairmen from office.
Adeleke, on assumption of office, issued an executive order for the removal of the elected officials and replaced them with caretaker appointees.
The APC appealed against the judgment.
The Court of Appeal, on February 10, 2025, allowed the appeal.
It held that the suit that resulted in the judgment of the Federal High Court was incompetent and struck it out.
The sacked APC officials believed the Court of Appeal judgment restored them to their offices.
Violence broke out when they sought to return to the council secretariats but were met with stiff resistance by PDP loyalists.
At least six persons were killed, including a “reinstated” local government chairman and a councillor.
Meanwhile, a date for a fresh election had already been fixed.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) advised that the election be suspended given the substantive Court of Appeal judgment.
The AGF said: “Notwithstanding the judgment of the Court of Appeal referenced above, which in effect means that the term of office of the elected officials has regained currency and will naturally run out in October 2025, His Excellency has insisted that a new local government election shall be held on February22, 2025.
“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, but 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 smooth, non-violent transition from one elected official to another in accordance with the statutorily prescribed three-year tenure.
“It is, therefore, of utmost importance for Governor Adeleke to advise OSIEC to shelve the idea of proceeding with any Local Government Election now.”
The police had also advised against the election, citing security concerns and the Court of Appeal judgment.
Force spokesman ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: ‘Beyond the security concerns, it is also imperative to consider the legal clarification by the AGF on the extant judicial pronouncements concerning local government administration in Osun State with regards to the Court of Appeal judgment which stands to have nullified the Federal High Court’s previous decision and reinforces the position that the elections, as presently contemplated, lack a firm legal foundation.
“In light of the combination of heightened security threats and the existing legal complexities, the Nigeria Police Force advises the Osun State government to reconsider and suspend the planned elections immediately.”
Osun govt stands its ground
In a rejoinder to the AGF by Nurudeen Kareem, Special Adviser to Adeleke on Legal Matters, the state thanked Fagbemi for his “valuable insights” but said he did not address the other judgment in the Action Peoples Party (APP) case.
Ogun
“It is our firm belief that the judgment rendered by the Federal High Court in FHC/OS/CS/103/2022 on November 30, 2022, remains extant, subsisting and binding until overturned by a higher court with appropriate jurisdiction.
“This principle is well established in legal precedents, including the Supreme Court decision in the case of Wada V. Bello (2016) 17 NWLR PT 1542 433, which affirms that judgments must be adhered to by all courts whether below or above the court that made the order in the hierarchy of courts.
“Given the significance of this judgment for the integrity of our electoral processes, we respectfully urge the AGF to provide clarity on this matter.
“The citizens of Osun and the broader Nigerian populace eagerly await his informed opinion, which we believe will contribute to a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding these elections.”
Just before the election, an Osun State High Court in Ilesa ordered OSSIEC to conduct the poll.
Justice A.A. Aderibigbe granted an order recognising existing vacancies across all the 30 LGA, “the election conducted by the first defendant on October15, 2022, having been invalidated, nullified and voided and the reported elected officials produced by the purported election having been sacked by the Federal High Court FHC/CS/OS/103/2022 in APP vs INEC & ors delivered on the 30th November 2022…”
“An order of this honourable court is granted, directing, mandating and compelling the defendants to fill the vacancies across the 30 local government areas of Osun State through a democratic process by proceeding to conduct the Local Government elections already scheduled by the defendants for February22, 2025,” the judge ordered.
Osun Attorney Attorney-General, Wole Jimi Bada, said the state had “resolved to obey the rulings”.
He said the Adeleke Administration, being a law-abiding one, would comply.
He urged “Osun voters to troops out to exercise their voting rights.”
The APP case
In suit FHC/OS/CS/103/22, the Action Peoples Party (APP) sued INEC, OSSIEC, Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Babarinde Idowu, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), APC and Prince Adegboyega Famodun.
By an amended originating summons dated August 25, 2022, the plaintiff sought a declaration that the notice of election into the local government councils across Osun State published by OSSIEC on August 15, 2022, was invalid, illegal and unconstitutional.
The party said it was given in contravention of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, and therefore null and void.
Among other prayers, it sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining OSSIEC from commencing the process of conducting the elections until it complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 regarding notice of elections, nomination of candidates, publication of names and other procedures.
The plaintiff contended that OSSIEC’s provisions on the submission of a list of candidates and publication of names and addresses of nominated candidates contravened the Electoral Act and are therefore null and void.
In a judgment delivered on November 30, 2022, Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel held that the provision of sections 98 and 150 of the Electoral Act applied to the states regarding the regulation and procedure of council elections.
The court noted that the commission was required to give 360 days’ notice of election, every political party was required to submit a list of candidates 180 days before the election, while OSSIEC shall publish names and addresses of nominated candidates at least 150 days before the election.
The judge held that while Section 29 gives parties 180 days, Section 25 of Osun electoral law gives 21 days to deliver nomination papers to OSSIEC.
Also, he found that while Section 32 of the Electoral Act provides for 150 days, Section 26 of the Osun law leaves the period to publish particulars of the candidates at OSSIEC’s absolute discretion.
“It is significant to note that the Electoral Act does not give discretion to the court in the case of an established violation of the Electoral Act provisions over procedure regulating the conduct of local government council election because, in mandatory tone, Section 150 (3) of the Act provides that any election to a local government area conducted by a state commission in violation of subsection (1) shall be invalid,” the judge held.
The court dismissed OSSIEC’s excuse that it could not comply with the provisions in order not to create a vacuum on the basis that there was a caretaker committee that was not democratically elected.
Justice Ayo-Emmanuel held that OSSIEC “should not be afforded the opportunity by the court to benefit or flourish from its deliberate unlawful conduct.”
“I hold the considered view that the plaintiff (APP) has made out a good case,” the judge held.
The judge, therefore, nullified the council election held on October 15, 2022, for being unconstitutional.
He held: “All persons or individuals occupying offices in the state local government councils by virtue of the said election are accordingly sacked from holding such offices.”
PDP vs INEC, APC and others
In suit FHC/OS/CS/94/2022, the PDP sued INEC, OSSIEC, APC, Prince Adegboyega Famodun, Ogunsola Adegoke, Olubisi Oladosun and Ogundope Kayode.
By originating summons dated October 31, 2022, the PDP sought a declaration that the National Assembly has the power to make laws for the federation concerning the procedure regulating elections to a local government.
It also sought a declaration that the OSSIEC law is null and void to the extent of its inconsistencies with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.
The party urged the court to hold that OSSIEC failed to comply with the 360 days election notice and 150 days publication of nominated candidates.
PDP sought an order nullifying the Osun local government election conducted by OSSIEC on October 15, 2022, for being in contravention of sections 28, 29, 30, 32 and 150 of the Electoral Act 2022.
In a judgment delivered on November 25, 2022, Justice Ayo-Emmanuel held that notice of election under Section 28 of the Electoral Act is a fundamental requirement which constitutes a condition precedent to holding a valid election.
The judge held: “Violation of it goes to the root and foundation of the election.
“The inability of the second defendant to comply with the necessary notices of election as provided for under the Electoral Act 2022 was self-inflicted injury and the second defendant should not be afforded the opportunity by the court to benefit or flourish from its deliberate and unlawful conduct.”
Holding that the PDP made out a good case, the judge said there was merit and substance in the case of the plaintiff.
Justice Ayo-Emmanuel held: “The election into the local government councils across Osun State held on 15/10/2022 pursuant to Notice of Election issued on 15/8/2022 is hereby declared unconstitutional, invalid, null and void for violation of the Constitution and breach of sections 28, 29, 32, 98 and 150 of the Electoral Act 2022.
“All persons or individuals occupying offices in the state local government councils by virtue of the said election are accordingly sacked from holding such offices.”
APC appeals
Dissatisfied with Justice Ayo-Emmanuel’s judgment, the APC, Adegoke, Oladosu and Kayode filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Akure.
APC urged the Court of Appeal to determine whether the lower court was right to have granted the PDP’s prayers to amend its originating summons dated July 27, 2022.
The party argued that the lower court erred by not refusing the prayer for amendment.
APC contended that Justice Ayo-Emmanuel amended an incompetent process that prima facie disclosed no cause of action, the originating summons having pre-dated the notice of election.
The party’s position was that as of the time the PDP filed the originating summons before it was amended, no cause of action had arisen “and the law is trite that an incompetent process cannot be amended”.
Appeal Court Justice Abubakar Lamido agreed with the appellants.
He held: “The lower court was clearly wrong in granting leave to amend an incompetent originating summons in such circumstances as the summons sought to be amended did not disclose any cause of action.
“The exercise of discretion by the lower court was wrongfully made and it is liable to be set aside.
“Since it is the position of this court that there is no valid originating process to confer jurisdiction on the lower court to hear and determine the claim of the first respondent (PDP), there is no point in considering the remaining issues.
“It follows that this appeal is meritorious and it is accordingly allowed.
“The amended originating summons is hereby struck out for incompetence. Consequently, suit no FHC/OS/CS/94/2022 be and is hereby struck out.”
Justices Isaiah Akeju and Jane Inyang concurred with the lead judgment.
Interpretations
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Mike Ozekhome had argued that the Court of Appeal in the PDP case did not strike down the judgment of the Federal High Court in the APP case, nor did it validate the 2022 local government election and re-instate the sacked officials.
“The FHC’s decision in the APP case thus remains the only definitive legal authority on the status of the 2022 Osun State local government elections.
“Until and unless the Supreme Court decides otherwise, the said elections remain null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.
“No person elected in that flawed process can lay any lawful claim to any office,” he argued.
Ozekhome’s interpretation was at variance with the AGF’s position that the Court of Appeal judgment in effect “means that the term of office of the elected officials has regained currency and will naturally run out in October 2025”.
A lawyer, Festus Ogun, also argued that the judgment of the Court of Appeal alone did not justify the immediate resumption of the ousted local government executives.
In an opinion piece, he stated: “There were two judgments nullifying the Osun LG polls…
“The Court of Appeal judgment in the PDP case does not in any way confer any right on the sacked local government officials to return to office.
“The Court Of Appeal did not, in fact, determine the merit of the appeal; neither did the intermediate court make any consequential order reinstating the sacked officials.
“It simply determined the issue of jurisdiction and held that the Federal High Court lacked it…
“Without a doubt, the judgment in the APP’s case is unchallenged and remains valid.”
Disagreeing with Chief Ozekhome, Ismail Omipidan, a former Chief Press Secretary under Oyetola, explained: “The first judgment in this matter was obtained by the PDP on November 25, 2022.
“Ordinarily, by virtue of Section 138(1) of the Electoral Act, notwithstanding the purported sacking of the council officials by the Federal High Court, they are entitled to continue to enjoy the benefits of the office until the matter is dispensed with by the final court.
“However, rather than wait until the final court makes its pronouncement, Governor Adeleke, upon being sworn in on Sunday, November 27, 2022, announced the sacking of the council officials vide an Executive Order relying on the 25th November 2022 judgment.
“The judgment from the APP suit, which the PDP and their sympathisers are clinging to, came on November 30, after the governor had taken action.
“Therefore, technically speaking, that judgment is of no effect, especially because it was not different from that of the PDP, earlier obtained, which was the basis upon which the APC, had approached the court in the first instance.
“Although the APC applied for a stay of execution, it was erroneously denied it.
“Nonetheless, it continued with the matter by filing a notice of appeal.”
Omipidan said the judgment in the APP case was also being challenged.
He said there was an application for a relisting of the appeal.
“The only valid judgment that is yet to be challenged remains the one obtained by APC on February 10, 2025,” he added.
The APC, through its spokesman Felix Morka, described Saturday’s fresh election conducted as “nothing but a disgraceful sham, illegal, unconstitutional and violently contemptuous of the valid and subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal, and of no effect whatsoever”.
“The exercise was a reckless waste of public funds, and an irresponsible incitement to further violence in an already volatile atmosphere in the state.”
The party suggested the withholding of Osun’s council funds.
“In keeping with the rule of law, it is our expectation that the Federal Government will make federal allocation for local governments available only to democratically elected and judicially certified local government officials in Osun State,” APC said.
‘Let the court decide’
The APC-led Federal Government and the AGF will want to act within legal bounds, as any moves they make next will be scrutinised for partisanship, Osun being under the opposition.
Legal experts believe only the courts will set matters straight.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ahmed Raji, advised: “Any aggrieved party should go to court.
“There is always room for court intervention. Ire o.”
Another SAN, Kunle Adegoke, said the Court of Appeal judgment should be obeyed.
“The only way out is for PDP to obey the decision of the Court of Appeal delivered on 10th of February, 2025.
“The decision, by whatever canon of interpretation reinstated the APC chairmen and councillors who were removed from office by Governor Adeleke when he was sworn in.
“The decision relied on by Governor Adeleke to remove the APC chairmen and councillors was delivered on 25th November and two days after, he implemented the decision without giving the APC chairmen and councillors the right of appeal provided and guaranteed by the Constitution.
“He hastened to enforce the judgment and removed them from office.
“The APC chairmen and councillors elected in the 2022 local government elections quietly obeyed so that there would be no breakdown of law and order and bloodshed but went home.
“They left their fate in the hands of the Court of Appeal.
“Now, with the decision of the Court of Appeal of 10th February 2025 in their favour, PDP’s resort to violence rather than obeying the judgment and appeal the decision to the Supreme Court is an exhibition of lawlessness and executive rascality.
“All institutions and persons in Nigeria are under the obligation to obey court orders and judgments and PDP cannot be an exception.
“The only way out is to obey the judgment, allow APC chairmen and councillors to complete their tenures and allow peace to reign.
“Before the Supreme Court sanctioned the PDP chairmen and councillors in December 2010, Ogbeni Aregbesola, who was just declared winner of the 2007 election by the Court of Appeal, did not remove the chairmen and councillors of PDP who were later sacked by the Supreme Court in the case of APC v. OSIEC.
“He allowed them to finish their tenure and go home…
“The only way out is for Governor Adeleke and his PDP to obey the judgment of the Court of Appeal.
“Neither the ‘jankara’ judgment they obtained at the Osun State High Court on 21st February 2025 nor the sham elections that have no results that they pretended to have conducted on the 22nd February 2025 are solutions to what is on ground.”
There is nothing in the Osun State local government election crisis to merit the term ‘crisis’. Absolutely nothing. Shortly before former governor Gboyega Oyetola left office in 2022, he conducted the local government election of October 15, 2022. The All Progressives Congress (APC) won handily. The conduct of the poll was, however, challenged by both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which incumbent governor Ademola Adeleke belongs, and the Action Peoples Party (APP). On November 25 and November 30, both the PDP and APP got judgements against the APC, ordering the sacking of the elected LG chairmen. The APC appealed the November 25 judgement, but reports suggest they did not appeal the November 30 judgement. The controversy centres on whether the Court of Appeal judgement against the sacking of the elected LG officials based on the PDP suit does not in fact vitiate the judgement on the same matter in respect of the APP case.
As far as the APC is concerned, the Court of Appeal judgement trumps anything in whatever way it was argued or brought up in the lower courts. It is obviously a case that turns juridical logic on its head. But clever by half, the PDP ignores its own defeat at the appellate court and instead latches on to the allegedly uncontested APP case to sustain the dissolution of the elected chairmen and councillors produced by the 2022 LG poll as well as pursue the conduct of another LG election yesterday. Governor Adeleke and the PDP have, however, not convincingly argued how the previous LG election could be annulled by a lower court judgement when the appellate court judgement continues to sustain that same (not a different) election. It appears to be a conundrum; but in fact it is not. The case is much simpler and unequivocal than the governor and the Osun State electoral commission have made it.
In Nigeria, contrived legal conundrums remain a threat to democracy, especially when mischievously and persistently exploited by the political elite. There is no reason for Osun to be embroiled in any electoral crisis, let alone be exposed to the spectre of violence such as was triggered last week when the APC LG chairmen, acting on the judgement of the Court of Appeal, enforced their own return to office. They did so because their tenure would run out in October. Worse, completely ignoring the Court of Appeal judgement and instead electing to uphold a lower court judgement using legal subterfuge, Osun announced its determination to hold a new election thereby presenting the current LG chairmen with a fait accompli. They knew that even if the LG chairmen hypothetically get a future judgement against OSIEC and the state government, the trial judges would deem the outcome an ‘academic exercise’. To forestall double jeopardy, the recognised LG chairmen simply took matters into their own hands. If they didn’t, no one would help them.
The unfortunate Osun stalemate is a worrisome indication of how readily Nigerian political leaders engage in brinkmanship. They provoked the collapse of the First and Second Republics, and nearly triggered the collapse of the Fourth Republic after the last presidential poll when they called for military takeover. But they are not alone in their excesses. They have in addition managed to secure the buy-in of some judges and lawyers, and have been encouraged by some political parties and sore losers to flout common sense. There is in short little altruism anywhere. But this is where the federal government comes in, particularly the nation’s chief law officer, the Attorney General of the Federation. They must see reining in political extremists masquerading as governors and political leaders as an obligation that must not be shirked for whatever treason.
It took some time before the Justice minister Lateef Fagbemi rose up to the occasion in the Osun case. But when he did, he offered sound legal and interpretative opinions. He recognised that Osun State was unwilling and perhaps uninterested in getting a superior court to explicate the import of the Court of Appeal judgement. The state’s officials probably feared that if they went for interpretation and the case did not favour them, it would spell disaster. So they latched on to the APP case, not their own suit, interpreted it the way they liked, and proceeded to dig their heels in, threatening fire and brimstone, and issuing dire warnings to anyone, federal or state, present or former state officials, bent on destabilising the state. Mr Fagbemi shunned their threats and insisted that Osun was irrevocably wrong. In any case, he wondered aloud, another LG election was due in October, still under the governorship of the incumbent – so, why the unholy rush? Only Mr Adeleke can solve that puzzle.
Mr Fagbemi had been wary of rising to the challenge in some other states where the rule of law had been baited and defied, especially in the convoluted case of Rivers State where suits after suits have exposed the soft underbelly of Nigerian politics and judiciary. The Justice minister can no longer shrug his shoulders. It is reassuring that in the case of Osun, he has not equivocated. But he must go beyond offering firm and unimpeachable opinions; he must now take the fight to the ‘enemy’. He needs to light a fire and put it under the feet of the sometimes wary National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Too many judges, either due to incompetence or collusion, or even because they are beholden to political officials, have betrayed their oaths and perverted the cause of justice, and had given egregiously fallible judgements. They need to be shipped out. They have persisted in messing up scores of cases in Rivers; now they are ridiculing themselves in Osun.
It is also time Mr Fagbemi took the fight to governors who in the name of the constitution are enacting farcical dictatorships in their states, thereby undermining the same constitution. He needs to give the federal government, and particularly the president, legal advice as to how to tackle errant governors determined to sabotage democracy. Voters in many states have not always shown gumption in picking their leaders, often voting for politicians for totally wrong reasons. Their indifference has populated State Houses with self-absorbed leaders. It is, therefore, necessary for the nation’s chief law officer to maintain vigilance in the face of excitable political and judicial officers unfazed by the spirit and the letter of the law.
Adeleke insists on going ahead with polls, PDP gets court order to proceed
Maintain law, order in Osun, Matawalle urges security agencies
Fresh tension enveloped Osun State yesterday ahead of the Local Government elections scheduled for today with Police Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun urging Governor Ademola Adeleke to shelve the election to prevent bloodshed.
Egbetokun said there was credible intelligence suggesting a high likelihood of violence and significant security threats should the government proceed with the election.
The state government rejected the police advice outright last night, citing the “ rule of law and aversion to police partisanship.’
The headquarters of the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) in Osogbo was under lock and key. No officials were in sight and there was no sign of any activity going on inside the compound.
Some armed policemen were seen guarding the complex.
Earlier in the day, the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) had obtained an order from the state High Court sitting in Ilesa for the commission to go on with its plan to conduct the election.
Governor Adeleke, buoyed by the court order, announced a restriction on vehicles across the state between 5 am and 5 pm.
He declared that the election would be held unfailingly.
The police, in a statement signed by the force’s Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said intelligence at their disposal “ reveal that various groups, including political elements and other interest parties, are mobilizing to instigate unrest, disrupt public peace, and undermine the democratic order.
“Given this imminent threat to security, the NPF strongly advises the Osun State Government to suspend the planned elections forthwith in the interest of public safety and national stability.
“The Force has assessed the current security landscape and determined that proceeding with the elections under these volatile conditions could escalate into widespread unrest, endangering lives and property.”
The police said they were working with other security agencies to “take decisive action to prevent any breakdown of law and order.”
“However, to avert unnecessary confrontation and safeguard the democratic process, it is in the best interest of all stakeholders that the elections be stood down.
“Beyond the security concerns, it is also imperative to consider the legal clarification by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice on the extant judicial pronouncements concerning Local Government administration in Osun State with regards to the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on the 22nd of February 2025 which stands to have nullified the Federal High Court’s previous decision and reinforces the position that the elections, as presently contemplated, lack a firm legal foundation.”
“In light of the combination of heightened security threats and the existing legal complexities, the Nigeria Police Force advises the Osun State Government to reconsider and suspend the planned elections immediately.
“The NPF reiterates its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that Nigeria’s democratic processes are upheld in accordance with the law. We urge all stakeholders, including political parties, to act with restraint and prioritize the well-being of citizens during this period.“
We’re proceeding with polls, Osun is peaceful, says govt
In a swift reaction last night, the state government rejected the police advisory “on the ground of rule of law and aversion to police partisanship.”
Information and Public Enlightenment Commissioner Kolapo Alimi said Governor Adeleke “ has reviewed the advice and has come to the conclusion that the proposal from the force headquarters was biased, partisan and in contravention of democratic tenets. The pretence of the service to be serving public good while actually promoting illegality of the APC reinforces our rejection of a Greek gift.”
Continuing, Alimi said: “From the beginning of this face-off, the police has breached best practices by its open support for the All Progressive Congress, a party that is pushing for illegality through a non-existing court order. The whole world knows how the police actively aided the APC in enforcing a reinstatement order that was never issued by any court of law.
“A law enforcement agency has suddenly become a partisan wing of a political party, the APC, thereby losing all toga of a fair law agency. The negative role of the police in igniting the current face-off made its advice a poisoned chocolate.
“Beyond the above, we also call the attention of the police to the court judgment of today. It contains three orders which affirm vacancies in Osun councils by authenticating the sacking of the APC council chieftains directing the police and other security agencies to provide security for the election and gave go-ahead to fresh LG elections by Saturday 22nd.
“Instead of the police obeying the court order, the service is regrettably pursuing its partisan line by actively working against the rule of law as espoused by today’s court ruling.
“If the police choose to disobey court orders, the Osun state government will not go against the rule of law, hence the decision of the state government to support the state electoral commission to conduct a credible free and fair elections tomorrow.
“We thank the police for their advice. We respectfully turned down the request while we urge Osun voters to peacefully exercise their voting rights on Saturday.”
Earlier yesterday Governor Adeleke told a delegation of civil society coalition who were in the state to monitor the local government elections that voters were prepared to exercise their voting rights.
PDP obtains court order for conduct of election
Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, ruling on a motion on notice filed by the PDP against OSSIEC and its chairman, Hashim Abioye, held that vacancies exist in all the 30 local government areas in the state and mandated the Commission to fill the offices.
The court also directed law enforcement agencies to provide security during and after the local government election.
According to Aderibigbe, the election conducted by OSSIEC on October 15, 2022, was invalidated by the Federal High Court FHC/CS/OS/103/2022 in Action Peoples Party VS Independent National Electoral Commission & ors. delivered on November 30, 2022.
He also said the judgment of the Federal High Court was confirmed by the decision of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/AK/226M/2024, Allied People Movement & ORS vs Action Peoples Party & ORS delivered on January 13, 2025.
The order reads in part “1. An order of this honourable court is granted, recognising the existing vacancies across all the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, the election conducted by the first defendant on 15th October 2022, having being invalidated, nullified and voided, and the purported elected officials produced by the purported election having been sacked by the Federal High Court FHC/CS/OS/103/2022; in ACTION PEOPLE PARTY (APP) VS INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) & ors. delivered on the 30th November 2022, and as confirmed by the decision of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/AK/226M/2024, ALLIED PEOPLE MOVEMENT (APM) & ORS vs ACTION PEOPLES PARTY (APP) & ORS delivered on 13th January 2025.
“2. An order of this honourable court is granted, directing, mandating and compelling the defendants to fill the vacancies across the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State through a democratic process by proceeding to conduct the Local Government ELECTIONS already scheduled by the defendants for 22nd of February, 2025.
“3. An order of this honourable court is granted, directing, mandating and compelling all the security agents comprising of the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Security Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Groups etc. to provide adequate security and maintain peace and order before, during and after the local government election scheduled by the Defendants for February 22, 2025, in Osun State.”
OSSIEC HQ sealed, officials nowhere to be found
The OSSIEC complex looked deserted when our correspondent visited there yesterday.
Its gates were shut and no official of the commission was sighted save a heavy presence of armed policemen.
One of the operatives told The Nation that “there have been no activities here since yesterday. I don’t know the reason. There is nobody inside the compound.”
Chairman of the commission, Barrister Hashim Abioye could not be reached as his phone number was not available .
Candidates of the Labour Party(LP) called for the postponement of the election in view of the unfolding confusion.
Speaking on behalf of the Forum of Labour Party Candidates, Barrister Bode Babalola noted that OSSIEC officials have abandoned their headquarters in Osogbo, making it difficult for them to get party agent identification tags.
He also said that the party could not access voting materials on Thursday because of the unavailability of any officials of OSIEC.
Babalola said that following the advice of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi ( SAN) that conducting any local government election in the state now would be illegal, and the ensuing confusion they could not risk the lives of voters.
He said “Today at around 4:00 p.m., we were at the OSSIEC secretariat to ask for tags for our party agents, and there was nobody on the ground to attend to us. One Adelowo, a staff of the commission that we called on the phone about three times, told us to wait till 4:00 p.m.
“Why can’t we wait till this situation is brought under control? We spent about N5.3 million to purchase forms for our candidates. We want to wait till everything is okay.
“The AGF made a point yesterday and he was advising that we should put this election on hold. He is not giving us law but it is wise wisdom.
“We want the election to be postponed and not cancelled for a month or two so that this legal issue will be resolved. Elections usually have an aftermath. This time around it is dangerous for us to call our people out. We don’t want to put their lives in jeopardy because of our ambition to win the election,” Babalola remarked.
The State Chairman of Allied Peoples Movement(APM), Hon Adewale Adebayo also raised the alarm that OSSIEC officials had absconded.
Adebayo said “We are very disappointed that all OSSIEC officials have abandoned their headquarters in Osogbo, making OSSIEC staff including the chairman, Barrister Hashim Abioye have absconded from their headquarters since Wednesday.
“On Thursday when we attempted to officially deliver our letter that we are not participating in the election, no official was found on the premises. We confirm that Abioye has absconded from his office. This made it difficult for us to deliver our letter.
“This confirms our earlier concern that we raised that all the voting materials have been relocated to the Osun State Government House.”
Maintain law, order in Osun, Matawalle urges security agencies
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, urged security agencies to take proactive measures to maintain law and order in Osun in lieu of the current political impasse.
Matawalle, in a statement yesterday, expressed concern about the recent incidents in the local government councils in Osun.
He emphasised that the ruling of the court was not only a reflection of the judiciary’s independence but also aligned seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice, equity, and the rule of law across the nation.
The minister said the recent incident in the state leading to the loss of lives should not be allowed to continue.
“As a minister of state for defence, my duty also includes the protection of lives and properties of all citizens.
“This affirmation stands as a testament to the administration’s dedication to ensuring that democratic principles are respected and upheld at all levels of governance,” he said.
Matawalle urged all stakeholders, political leaders, community members, and civil society organisations to respect the rule of law and engage in constructive dialogue.
He stressed the importance of collaboration in fostering a peaceful and conducive environment in Osun, saying it was vital for the progress and development of the region.
He also called on the citizens of the state to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions, assuring them that the federal government is committed to ensuring their safety as security has been elevated.
The minister reiterated that maintaining peace remained paramount, adding that the government would support all efforts aimed at achieving stability and harmony within the state.
He reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to protect the democratic rights of all citizens and to work tirelessly towards a peaceful Nigeria, where justice prevails and the rule of law is upheld.
Violence erupted in the state on Monday when supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and those of the PDP clashed over the control of the local government secretariats.
Mayhem was recorded in at least 15 of the GLAs with several people killed.
A Court of Appeal judgement was interpreted differently by both parties.
While the APC claimed that all its reliefs were granted by the appellate court, and that the council chairmen sacked by the PDP government could return to work,the state government said there was no such declarative judgement.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Thursday, advised OSSIEC to call off the local government election and warned that conducting a new local government council election would not only be invalid but would also amount to a breach of the Constitution since the tenure of the purportedly sacked council chairmen is still running according to last week’s decision of the Court of Appeal, Akure Division.
Security operatives have taken over the headquarters of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission(OSIEC) in Osogbo ahead of the contentious council poll slated for tomorrow.
Findings by The Nation on Friday revealed officials of the electoral umpire vacated the complex since Thursday following the advice of Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
When The Nation visited the headquarters of OSIEC on Friday evening, there were about 16 heavily armed policemen at the entrance and its surroundings.
The entrances of the commission were shut with the operatives placing two benches in front of the gate.
One of the operatives told The Nation: “There have been no activities here since yesterday. I don’t know the reason. There is nobody inside the compound.”
Efforts to reach the Chairman of the commission, Barrister Hashim Abioye were abortive.
He couldn’t be reached on phone. He also didn’t respond to text messages.
Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has vowed to proceed with Saturday’s council election against the advice of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi(SAN).
The Appeal Court on February 10, 2025 reinstated council chairmen elected in October 2022 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The attempt to retake the council secretariats turned violent on Tuesday leading to the deaths of over seven persons.
The APC announced it would boycott the exercise based on the Court ruling.
Fagbemi on Thursday night urged OSIEC and Governor Ademola Adeleke not to conduct the election, tagging it as illegal because Appeal Court reinstated the council executives voted in 2022.
But an Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa on Friday directed the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission(OSIEC) to conduct the election..
The High Court presided over by Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe in a Motion on Notice granted to Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) against OSIEC and its chairman, Barrister Hashim Abioye declared vacancies in all 30 councils of Osun State.
He hinged the declaration on the court order of Federal High Court in suit number FHC/CS/OS/103/2022; between Action Peoples Party (APP), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and others which voided the LG poll of October 2022.
He stated that order sacking them was confirmed by the decision of the Court Appeal in Appeal No: CA/AK/226M/2024; Allied Peoples Movement(APM) and others on the 13th January, 2025.
The order reads in part: “An order of this Honourable Court directing, mandating and compelling the Defendants to fill the vacancies across the 30 local Government Areas of Osun State through a democratic process by proceeding to conduct the local government elections already scheduled by the Defendants for 22″ of February, 2025.
“An order of this Honorable Court directing, mandating and compelling all the security agencies comprising of the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Army, the Department of State Security Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Amotekun corps, the Vigilante group etc. to provide adequate security and maintain peace and order before, during and after the local government election scheduled by the Defendants 22d February, 2025 in Osun State.”
Aderibigbe granted the order, saying, “ I have carefully perused the two judgments, and I agree with the position of the claimant’s counsel that there is no impediment to the election fixed by the defendant for Saturday, 22/02/2025.
“In the light of the above, there is nothing precluding the defendants from proceeding with the election into the Local Government in Osun State already fixed for Saturday, 22/02/2025.”
Findings by The Nation on Friday revealed that officials of the electoral umpire had vacated the premises of the office since Thursday following the advice of Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
When our correspondent visited the headquarters of OSIEC on Friday evening, there were heavily armed policemen numbering about 16 at the entrance and its surroundings.
The gates of the commission were shut as the police placed two benches in front of the gate.
One of the operatives told The Nation that “there have been no activities here since yesterday. I don’t know the reason. There is nobody inside the compound.”
Efforts to reach the Chairman of the commission, Barrister Hashim Abioye, were abortive.
His mobile was not connecting. Text messages were also not replied.
Osun police spokesman Yemisi Opalola also didn’t respond to calls and text messages.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State yesterday rejected plans by the State Independent National Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to conduct local government elections on Saturday.
The chairman of the chapter, Tajudeen Lawal, said the polls are unnecessary, following the Court of Appeal judgment that reinstated the sacked chairmen and councillors in 30 local governments.
However, OSIEC Chairman Hashim Abioye, a lawyer, said the poll would hold and urged political parties to brace for it.
Yesterday, the police confirmed that six people died during Monday’s mayhem at council secretariats while Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APC supporters were struggling to gain control.
Violence had erupted as APC members stormed the local governments to take over the secretariats.
Most of the secretariats were yesterday deserted by the protesting politicians and council workers.
The gates of the councils were locked and there was no presence of security operatives.
The remains of the reinstated chairman of Irewole Council, Remi Abass, who was killed during the clashes, were buried in Ikire according to Islamic rites.
Lawal, who lamented the murder, directed the reinstated council executives to vacate their respective secretariats as a mark of honour to their slain colleague.
In a statement, the party chairman alleged that “the chairman of Irewole Local Government Council Area was killed by PDP hoodlums in the ancient town of Ikire.
“The untimely and sudden killing of the peace-loving and consummate politician was inhuman, wicked and callous.”
Lawal urged the police to extend the arrest, investigation and prosecution of the killers to their sponsors.
He sympathised with the immediate family members, political associates and people of Ikire over the tragedy.
Police confirm six people dead
The Osun State Police Command confirmed that six people were killed during the crisis.
Its spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, condemned the violence that erupted over the fight for the control of the councils.
Opalola said: “The event of yesterday (Monday) left six people dead and many people were hospitalized. We are not happy with the situation.
“Before this ugly incident, various groups were called into meeting by the Commissioner of Police to ensure peace but things went awry.”
She disclosed that the CP had ordered an investigation into the killings, adding that the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law.
Opalola urged the residents to remain calm as police work to restore peace.
She added: “Those fomenting this trouble should desist from this act. This state is known for peace. We won’t allow anyone to disrupt the peace of our state. The IGP teams have arrived yesterday night and deployed.”
The police did not give the identity of those killed.
Our reporter also was unable to get the names of the deceased, apart from the reinstated Irewole chairman as at last night.
OSIEC: Polls will hold
Abioye, who unveiled voting materials ahead of Saturday’s poll in the presence of members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), civil society organizations, and reporters, said the exercise would hold.
He said: “We are fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. All necessary materials have been secured, and we are working closely with security agencies to ensure a smooth process.”
The Secretary to the State Government(SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and National Secretary of All Progressives Congress(APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, disagreed over the clashes at the Osogbo Council Secretariat.
Igbalaye said: “I played leadership and mediatory roles yesterday to ensure that the confrontation between the two parties did not snowball into bloodshed.”
However, Basiru rejected his explanation, alleging that “Igbalaye was the one dishing out instructions to thugs to attack APC members. We had no option but to run for dear lives. The thugs inflicted machete cuts on some of us.”
A statement by from his media aide, Ayotunde Jimoh, said PDP leaders gave orders to the thugs to unleash mayhem.
He said: “There are enough video proof that highlighted the fiendish posture of PDP throughout the State yesterday. We of APC will cross the bridge when we get there.”
Ogundokun sues for peace
Elder statesman Chief Abiola Ogundokun, who was the Publicity Secretary of the defunct National Party of Nigeria(NPN), charged the people to desist from violence and embrace peace.
He condemned violent attacks by some politicians, urging leaders to avoid blame game.
He said: “Adeleke should refrain from apportioning blame and seek peace at all costs. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Service (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security and para-military outfits should be professional in restoring law and order to Osun State.”
It is intolerable that policemen drafted to maintain peace would be killed over Obaship tussle
It is unacceptable that a chieftaincy dispute in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government, Osun State, should degenerate into gun shooting fracas, which left four persons dead, seven police officers shot, and scores wounded. While passion is expected in any contest between two or more people, hiring gun-trotting hoodlums in pursuit of becoming an Oba, is criminal. Surely, the late Bola Ige, a prominent son of Esa-Oke, and former Governor of Oyo State, would turn in his grave over the incident.
The dispute reportedly arose when the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, appointed Prince Timileyin Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido-Ajegunle, a neigbouring community to Esa-Oke. The people of Esa-Oke and Ido-Ajegunle claim that the new Oba is from Ilesa, and not an indigene of the community. A chieftain of the community, Chief Adegboyega Ajiboye, the Osolu Esa-Oke, claimed that the land in dispute belongs to Esa-Oke, and so, the Ijesha cannot install an Oba in the community.
Of note, the people of Ido-Ijesa, from Ilesa, are also laying claim to the ownership of the land.
It is against this background that the fracas arose, leading to deaths and destruction of properties.
We are shocked that armed hoodlums would become a part of the mix in the context of the selection of an Oba. The report indicates that the criminals laid siege to and attacked the policemen who came to maintain peace in the community. Shops, businesses and offices were forced to close, as the entire community was thrown into fear and confusion.
We urge the governor to retrace his steps if the accusation that he is seeking to impose a non-indigene as an Oba on the community, is true. If the ownership of the land in the community is disputed, it is insensitive for the governor to seek to ride roughshod over one of the disputants. Even when the governor may have his personal preferences as the state chief executive, he owes every section of the community equal treatment.
Before the appointment of the Oba, the ownership tussle over the land has to be resolved. The argument that a traditional ruler, who is an indigene of Ido-Ajegunle should be elevated to the position of an Oba is plausible, as that would not inflate the kind of passion that resulted to the fracas. If the indigenes are given the opportunity to rule themselves, there would be peace, even as the more endowed bigger neighbours, the Esa-Oke and Ido-Ijesa, continue their dispute over who amongst them owns the land of the people of Ido-Ajegunle. Perhaps, that would aide Ido-Ajegunle to assert its independence.
The police must find the hoodlums who invaded Ido-Ajegunle and caused pain and anguish to their colleagues and people of the area. It would be a shame if the police fail to apprehend those that shot their colleagues. Shooting a private person is a crime, but going after the law enforcement officers is a higher crime, which must be punished at all cost.
We are happy that in the meantime, a combination of the army, civil defence, police and the state-owned Amotekun, have been drafted to restore and maintain peace in the community. While others may play games with their wellbeing, the people of Ido-Ajegunle must assert peace in their community. Any differences should not be settled with the lives of their people or those who came to maintain peace in their community. They must be vigilant, and help the police deal with the trouble makers in their midst.
Becoming an Oba should never be a do- or-die affair. It is not worth the life of anyone.
No fewer than four persons have been confirmed dead and seven policemen shot in the kingship tussle between Esa-Oke community of Obokun Local Government of Osun State and Ido-Ijesa.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had appointed Prince Timileyin Ajayi as the new king of Ido-Ajegunle.
But, the Esa-Oke community kicked against the appointment, arguing that they have a king in Ido-Ajegunle, and that a non-indigene that is distinct from their town, could not rule them.
A source said the kidnap of the new monarch resulted in the clash, leading to shooting, ambush and killing in Esa-Oke.
The Esa-Oke Community, through Esa-Oke Central Union, Oladiti Awodiran, told reporters in Osogbo yesterday alleged that “men in police uniform invaded the community and started shooting sporadically leading to the death of four youths while several others were wounded in the mayhem’’.
“The unrest was as a result of the announcement by Governor Ademola Adeleke who appointed a stranger as Oba in a community within our town. We resisted the installation,’’ he added.
He lamented that there was a king in the town before Adeleke made the appointment and expressed worry that youths of the town were being arrested by police after the unrest.
There was pandemonium in Esa-Oke community of Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State after a clash with Ido-Ijesa over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s appointment of Prince Timileyin Ajayi as the new king of Ido-Ajegunle.
The Nation recalls Adeleke, after the State Executive Council meeting, approved the appointment of Ajayi as Olojudo of Ido-Ijesa though the community had a king.
The Esa-Oke community kicked against the appointment, arguing that they have a king in Ido-Ajegunle which is part of their land, insisting a non-indigene distinct from their town can rule on their land.
A top security source alleged the kidnap of the new monarch appointed by Adeleke caused the communal clash which resulted in shooting, ambush and killing in Esa-Oke.
The Esa-Oke Community through Esa-Oke Central Union, Oladiti Awodiran, in a chat with reporters in Osogbo on Monday evening, alleged: “Men in police uniform invaded the community and started shooting sporadically leading to the death of four youths while several others were wounded in the mayhem.
“The unrest was as a result of the announcement by Governor Ademola Adeleke who appointed a stranger as Oba in a community within our town. We resisted the installation.”
He lamented that there was a king in the town before Adeleke made the appointment, lamenting youths of the town were being arrested after the unrest.
Commissioner for Information Kolapo Alimi said Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered investigation to unravel the cause of the clash and vowed that culprits will be dealt with.
Osun Police spokesperson Yemisi Opalola stated seven policemen were shot in an ambush during the clash.
She said the Obanla of Esa-Oke, Olayinka Olatunji Lawrence, his son and seven others were arrested in connection with the crisis.
The new king of Ido-Ajegunle, Oba Timileyin Ajayi, through one of his chiefs, Ibironke Busuyi denied that the community and Esa-Oke were not at war.
He said: “We sought government intervention and provided documentation to support our claims that we are not under Esa-Oke. The state government in pursuance of justice affirmed our claim, leading to the appointment of the new Olojudo.
“Unfortunately, the people of Esa Oke have continued to encroach on our land, leading to violent clashes.“
