The Nation Newspaper

Tag: OSUN

  • Tension as warring Osun communities observe solemn Eid-el-Fitr prayer

    Tension as warring Osun communities observe solemn Eid-el-Fitr prayer

    Residents of Ilobu and Ifon communities affected by communal clashes celebrated the Eid-El-Fitr in tension-soaked atmosphere on Sunday with solemn prayers in their different Eid praying grounds. 

    The Nation reports there was a communal clash between Ilobu and Ifon which led to over 30 sustaining gunshot injuries with destruction of N3bn worth of property. 

    Governor Ademola Adeleke imposed a 24-hour curfew later relaxed to 17-hour on the two communities. 

    The Nation, which visited the communities including Erin-Osun on Sunday during the celebration of Eid-el-Fatr, observed a tense atmosphere though the raging clashes have subsided. 

    From Ojutu bridge, security operatives were standing in clusters on the bridge checking residents going into and out of the community.

    Residents walked with their hands up while those in cars drove very slowly. 

    At the Eid praying ground of Ilobu, the Chief Imam, Dr Abd’Rahman Adewale Abdul-Azeez addressed sympathised with those who lost property to the crisis. 

    “We are not happy with what happened, we, the Muslim body have now decided that we should help those that were affected, the economy of the town has been affected and we need to come to their aid. All mosques will contribute N10,000 each while some of us that have Jumat capacity will contribute N20,000,” he said. 

    Read Also: Ajadi preaches selflessness at Eid-el-Fitr

    At the Ifon Eid praying ground, the Chief Imam, Sheikh Muhibullahi Adesina urged residents not to covet other people’s wealth or property, noting that life is vanity. 

    He said: “Appreciate nature and what its gives, don’t annex what it gives to others, be mindful of greed because it kills faster than poison. Focus on the life after this realm.”

    There was a low turnout of Muslim faithful at the Eid prayer group of the two communities unlike the past.  

    Most of the houses in the communities were deserted with only few aged occupants.

  • Excitement in Osun as Hon. Oke enrolls 1,000 students in technical education scholarships

    Excitement in Osun as Hon. Oke enrolls 1,000 students in technical education scholarships

    In a continued commitment to education and support for the administration of His Excellency Asiwaju Sen. Nurudeen Ademola Jackson Adeleke, Hon. Wole Oke has expanded his scholarship initiative in technical education, fulfilling his promise to assist underprivileged children in pursuing their academic dreams.

    According to his media office, Hon. Wole Oke recently enrolled over 300 additional students, raising the total number of beneficiaries under his scholarship programme to more than 1,000 across Osun State.

    Following a rigorous week-long evaluation by the Quality Assurance Team from Hon. Oke’s Constituency Office at nine technical colleges, nearly Ten Million Naira was allocated to cover enrolment and tuition fees for Year 1 students in colleges across Osogbo, Ara, Otan, Gbongan, Ile-Ife, Inisa, Osu, Iwo, and Ijebu-Jesa. Additionally, the scholarship covered fees for both Year 1 and Year 2 students at Ijeda-Ijebu-Jesa Technical College.

    Beyond financial assistance, the initiative incorporates a mentorship model designed to instill self-reliance, job creation skills, and a strong sense of community service. The programme has garnered widespread praise, with students expressing deep gratitude for the life-changing opportunity.

    Principals of the nine technical colleges confirmed that Hon. Oke’s scholarship has significantly increased enrolment in technical education, positioning Osun State as a leader in this sector. Teachers and students alike have hailed the initiative for its transformative impact.

    Students shared emotional testimonies of how the scholarship has changed their lives. Adebayo Joshua Oluwanifemi, the class captain of Year 1 at Government Technical College, Ara, expressed heartfelt appreciation, while Izu Emmanuel, a Year 1 student in Ile-Ife GTC, spoke on behalf of his classmates, offering prayers for Hon. Oke.

    Obasi Ada, a student from Cross River State studying in the Textile Department at Gbongan GTC, acknowledged that without the scholarship, her education would have been impossible. Similarly, a young girl at Osogbo GTC broke down in tears, sharing how the initiative lifted her from selling sachet water to attending school, bringing relief to her family and hope for a better future.

    Hon. Wole Oke emphasized the broader vision behind the programme, stating, “We must begin the industrialisation of our country through the education we provide for our children. Industrialised nations do not have the manpower and intelligence that Nigeria is blessed with. We must start from our state.”

    His initiative continues to inspire and empower the next generation, paving the way for a skilled and self-sufficient workforce in Osun State.

    “We are determined to lead a silent revolution in the country, starting with our state, Osun, by promoting technical education and skill acquisition, an often-overlooked area in the national academic curriculum. Our efforts are focused on empowering young people with practical skills, making them more employable and self-sufficient,” Oke posited. 

    “Our target is 2000; this initiative has seen us sponsor 1000 students across various technical colleges in Osun State,not capturing those who have graduated from Ijeda-Ijebu-Jesa centre in the last 5 years.By equipping young people with technical skills, we are empowering them to become entrepreneurs, innovators, employers of labour and leaders in their respective field of endeavours.”

    Omolebi-Sunday Segun Tunde, who led the evaluation team across Osun State, shared insights from his visits to technical colleges benefiting from Hon. Wole Oke’s scholarship programme. 

    At each center, he delivered messages of hope and prosperity from Hon. Oke, encouraging students to seize the golden opportunities before them.

    He urged the students to approach their studies with seriousness and diligence, emphasizing the bright, rewarding future that awaits skilled artisans and job creators. 

    “The sense of giving back to humanity is being sown into your hearts,” he noted, adding that Hon. Oke aims to instill in them the lifelong value of paying this gesture forward by uplifting others in the future.

    Hon. Mercy Ayodele, Constituency Manager from Obokun Local Government Area, also addressed the students, charging them to excel academically and make Hon. Oke proud. “The world is waiting for you,” she said. “Go and succeed in a world that needs people with 21st-century skills.”

    Dr. Festus Karounwi painted a compelling picture of the bright future awaiting students who stay focused. He advised them to guard their opportunities jealously, avoid truancy and hooliganism, and steer clear of vices that could derail their educational journey.

    Across Osun State, Hon. Wole Oke has been widely praised for his philanthropic initiative. 

    Residents have commended him for shaping a brighter future for children from families, including those outside his constituency.

    The Ara National Students Association (ANSA) expressed profound gratitude for Hon. Oke’s scholarship, which has provided educational opportunities to students at the Technical College in Ara. 

    In a communiqué signed by President Ajayi Victor Ayomide and General Secretary Fayemi Adewale Clement, the association highlighted the life-changing impact of the scholarship, lauding Hon. Oke’s selflessness and dedication.

    Speaking on behalf of His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Olubayo Adesola Windapo, Alara of Ara, Adams Oladayo conveyed the monarch’s heartfelt appreciation for Hon. Oke’s unwavering support for the community’s educational development.

    The praise, testimonials, and gratitude pouring in reflect the transformative reach of Hon. Wole Oke’s scholarship programme, which continues to empower young people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to shape a prosperous future.

  • Uneasy calm in Osun warring communities as monarchs receive warning letters of dethronement

    Uneasy calm in Osun warring communities as monarchs receive warning letters of dethronement

    There was a tension in Ifon and Ilobu communities, Osun State, following deadly communal clashes over a land dispute that prompted Governor Ademola Adeleke to impose a 24-hour curfew.

    The violence, which later spread to Erin-Osun, claimed three lives, left 30 others injured with gunshot wounds, displaced over 100,000 residents, and caused property damage worth over N2 billion.

    Findings by The Nation revealed that Governor Adeleke, during a meeting with the traditional rulers of the two warring communities, the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Akinyooye, and the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, issued stern warnings, threatening their suspension if the clashes persist.

    According to Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor cautioned, “Traditional rulers will be suspended if violence resurfaces, and anyone who breaches peace undertakings will face legal consequences.”

    Meanwhile, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, High Chief Leke Ogunsola, confirmed that security operatives, including the military and DSS, are on the ground to maintain order.

    Read Also: Group condemns Natasha’s actions amid suspension controversy

    He noted that the curfew is effective, adding, “In the morning, some people attempted to breach the peace by burning houses in Bobamu-Ori-Oke and Ayedaade, but security personnel swiftly intervened.”

    He added that “At the meeting with our king, they talked to our people and threatened them. Our king, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan and that of Ifon were warned, they handed warning letters, warning the kings that they will be deposed if there is resurgence of any crisis again in their domain.”

    Earlier, Olufon of Ifon, Oba Akinyooye in a statement called on the Olobu of Ilobu and the Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Yusuff Oyagbodun, to cease all forms of conflict and allowed stakeholders to restore peace and unity in the lands.

    He said “I appeal to all indigenes of Ifon-Osun, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun, who have been affected and displaced by this unfortunate incident to return home with the spirit of community that we once enjoyed.”

    Meanwhile, the Executive Director, Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority, Abuja, Mr Oluremi Omowaiye called on the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) to come to the aid of those displaced two local government areas in Osun State.

    Omowaiye, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in a statement to newsmen on Sunday lamented that over 72 hours after the crises broke out, there was not response in terms of provision of aid for those displaced from the Osun State Government.

    According to him “Over 72-hour after, we can’t see anyone set up camp or provide any form of succor for those displaced in the violent clashes in Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun by the Osun State Government.

    “These are people should be treated better and I find it hard to believe that authorities directly concerned are not acting yet.”

    Omowaiye pleaded with the Vice President, Kashim Shettima who surpevises NEMA to direct the agency to come around and provide relief materials for the victims.

    “I am also using this medium to call on ex governor and our political Leader HE Adegboyega Oyetola, to use his connections and goodwill to get immediate aid for these people.“

    Also, the State Chairman of Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon Adewale Adebayo urged well-meaning Nigerians to assist those affected by the war, saying “I believe the state government ought to provide a temporary camp for the victims of them war by now, because their house have been burnt and nowhere to return to.”

  • ‘Over 100,000 people displaced in Osun communal clash, N2bn property destroyed’

    ‘Over 100,000 people displaced in Osun communal clash, N2bn property destroyed’

    •Adeleke imposes 24hours curfew; summons security chiefs
    •Oyetola, APM sues for peace

    The warring communities of Ilobu and Ifon are still counting losses after a communal clash over a land dispute that started on Tuesday as over 100,000 people have been displaced and properties worth N2 billion destroyed.

    The Nation reports that three people including an ex-councilor were killed while 30 others sustained gunshot injuries in the fresh attack between Ilobu(Irepodun Local Government Area) and Ifon(Orolu Local Government Area).

    Meanwhile, Adeleke had declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew and summoned the kings of the warring communities for a meeting on Saturday.

    However, a statement issued on Saturday by the state government through the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi said: “Governor Adeleke has approved that the curfew be extended to Erin-Osun town. Governor (Adeleke) directs all security agencies such as the Military, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp NSCDC, Immigration, NDLEA, and Amotekun among others to extend its security surveillance to the community.

    “All the security agencies are to ensure strict compliance to the curfew, which is now 24 hours daily until peace is restored. “Meanwhile, we seek to bring to the attention of the public that old videos of communal conflicts in some parts of Osun state are being circulated by opposition elements to spread false pictures of insecurity in Osun State.”

    Read Also: Osimhen overtakes Odegbami in Nigeria’s all-time top scorers list

    The National President of Ilobu Development Union, Pastor Olufemi Salako said: “On Friday morning, greater parts of Ilobu Community at Ganga, Idire, Apiponroro, Olobu Market, Ayedaade were seriously invaded, houses and shops were burnt down and people of Ilobu were attacked with guns.

    “Unfortunately, the Erin-Osun community has also joined from behind, confirming it is a pre-planned and pre-meditated attack on Ilobu Community. So, this time around, it is not about Ifon and Ilobu fighting over disputed land, it is about the determination of Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun Communities to completely exterminate the Ilobu Community.

    “The ongoing carnage and killing, if not stopped, which has claimed several lives, displaced over 100,000 people, and destroyed properties worth over N2bn, started on Thursday evening. The attackers became emboldened as our calls to the Osun State Government, Osun State Commissioner of Police and the Osun Security Network fell on deaf ears.”

    Meanwhile, the Ifon community through the spokesman of the king, Akeem Adekunle lamented that the security operatives that were deployed by the government were not enough.

    Adekunle said: “As I am speaking with you, the situation is still manageable because the government declared a 24-hour curfew and we are seeing the presence of security operatives even though they are not enough. The same team that Ifon is using when we have an emergency is the same that Ilobu people are using.

    “We heard gunshots from Ilobu people, we learnt that Ilobu attacked Erin people this morning and their houses. They are sufficiently attacking us. We have too many of the displaced people in our town.

     “The video where Ilobu people mostly children and women are trooping out of the town is their strategy when they are ready for full-blown war. They will evict anything that can be a burden to them during the war and will remain only the full-grown men and their warriors to strike so that they won’t suffer any casualties.

    “The Olufon attended the meeting but we are yet to be briefed about what happened at the meeting with the governor.“

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Osun State Chairman of Allied Peoples Movement(APM),  Adewale Adebayo have sued for peace in the warring communities.

    Oyetola said: “This unfortunate situation is not only heartbreaking but also undermines the peace and development we have all worked hard to sustain in Osun State. I strongly urge all parties to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue as the only path to resolving grievances.”

    Also, Adebayo said: “I want to urge the Osun State Traditional Ruler Council to help the State Government to bring lasting peace in the warring communities.”

  • JUST IN: Adeleke imposes 24-hours curfew on two Osun councils

    JUST IN: Adeleke imposes 24-hours curfew on two Osun councils

    Following the raging communal clash between Ifon and Ilobu communities, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared a 24 hours curfew in two local government areas.

    The Nation reports the communities had been at loggerheads over land disputed which resulted to killings and razing of houses. 

    On Friday ,three people were reportedly killed including an ex-councillor and 30 people were shot with women and children displaced. 

    After hundreds of houses were burnt yesterday, Adeleke declared dusk-to-dawn curfew and summoned the kings of the warring communities for a meeting on Saturday. 

    Commissioner for Information Kolapo Alimi said: “Adeleke has approved that the curfew be extended to Erin-Osun town. The curfew time is now 24 hours daily.

    “Governor directs all security agencies such as the Military, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp NSCDC, Immigration, NDLEA, and Amotekun among others to extend its security surveillance to the community. 

    “All the security agencies are to ensure strict compliance to the curfew, which is now 24 hours daily until peace is restored. The imposed curfew was necessary to forestall escalation of the crisis and breakdown of law and order due to the communal clashes in the communities.”

  • Foundation empowers Osun youths

    Foundation empowers Osun youths

    A non-profit organization in Osun State, Mofolorunso Awomolo Foundation (MAF) has put mechanisms in place to empower Ijesa youths as part of efforts to tackle unemployment in Ijesaland.

    At a media briefing in Ilesa, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mofolorunso Awomolo Foundation, Mr. Olugbenga Awomolo, told reporters that the objective of the foundation was to inspire, support and empower the youths to secure a greater future for themselves.

    Read Also: Osun new council chairmen, NULGE sue APC, ‘sacked’ executives, IGP over invasion

     “The objective is to contribute to job creation in Nigeria by supporting Ijesa youth startups/entrepreneurs through rigorous business training, business plan competitions, grants, and mentorships.”

    “The FAME Project is primarily focused on Ilesa; and will consider applications from other constituencies recognized under Ijesaland,” he added.

    The MAF Program Coordinator, Mr. Francis Omodaigbe said the FAME project aims at creating a culture of entrepreneurship in young people primarily in Ilesa and other Ijesaland townships through capacity building and grant support.”

  • Fresh crisis hits Osun councils over NULGE poll

    Fresh crisis hits Osun councils over NULGE poll

    Amid tussle over the control of local governments in Osun State, a fresh crisis has engulfed the administration of the councils over the state election of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

    The Nation learnt that upon the expiration of tenure of the incumbent President of the union, Comrade Kehinde Ogungbangbe, a committee was constituted to screen aspirants.

    It was gathered that about 10 aspirants, who are not in the fold of the incumbent president, were allegedly fraudulently screened out.

    A statement by the aspirants, namely Comrade Olaposi Owolabi, Aderinwale Adegboyega, Isola Temitope and seven others said they were screened out because they could not meet the Rule 7C(XII) of the union’s constitution.

    It was explained that “before anybody can contest for the state excos, he must have held a position at the branch. The incumbent president and some of his loyalists are not qualified.

    Read Also: Adeleke, Oluwo laud Tinubu over appointment of Osun indigene as NYSC DG

    “To avert the looming crisis that may erupt tomorrow (today) at the congress centre, others who are not qualified should be removed from the ballot.”

    According to a security source, there may be crisis at the venue of the congress tomorrow (today) because people are not pleased with biased screening of aspirants.

    ‘’They have reported at the DSS Command, Osogbo and Police Command. We are uncertain if the NULGE election will hold under the atmosphere of crisis.’’

  • The sham election in Osun

    The sham election in Osun

    • State government conducted LG elections to fill non-existing vacancies

    Confusion reigned supreme in Osun State penultimate Saturday, where, sadly, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) passed off the sham that it called a local government election as a credible exercise. Even more sadly, the dancing Governor Ademola Adeleke is engaged in a ballet on the grave of the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which impliedly restored the tenure of the illegally sacked chairmen and councillors in the state. While that tenure subsists, Governor Adeleke and his cohorts purportedly held a new election on February 22.

    The Court of Appeal, sitting in Akure, in Appeal No: CA/AK/270/2022, between the All Progressives Congress & 3 Ors vs Peoples Democratic Party & Ors, nullified the judgment of the Federal High Court in Suit: FHC/OS/CS/94/2022, which had sacked the chairmen and councillors, elected few months before the exit of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.  Following that judgment of the Court of Appeal, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi SAN, advised the state government not to hold a new election in the state, as the appeal had consequentially restored the sacked council officials back to their seats.

    Rather than obey the Court of Appeal judgment, the state engineered a suit at the state high court in Osogbo, which held that there were vacancies in the 30 local governments and mandated the state electoral commission to fill the vacancies. The state government is also referring to an appeal in which it was not a party, but which it argues justified the end of tenure of the local council officials. Meanwhile, the returned chairmen and councillors, whose tenure would end by October, have returned to their seats in obedience to the judgment of the appeal court.

    In the midst of these uncertainties, the state government went ahead to conduct a sham, which it called a democratic election when, indeed, many voters stayed indoors for fear of violence breaking out due to the confusion.

    Even the police and other security agencies, in obedience to the judgment of the appeal court and the directive of the AGF had advised the state government to postpone the election. Furthermore, the ad hoc staff of the state electoral commission did not turn up in many of the polling booths.

    A national newspaper reported that a trader around Osogbo, one Yusuf Olutope, on the eve of the election, said: “Election is being held tomorrow? (Saturday)”, “I am not sure I will vote. You can observe there’s no enthusiasm about it among residents.” Another resident, named as Kudrat, also said: “I know the election is scheduled for tomorrow but you can see people don’t feel it. There’s nothing to suggest people are preparing for it.” So, it appears both the electorate and the commission were never ready for that election.

    Read Also: Adeleke’s aide allegedly leads gunmen to Osun community, hacks chief, shoots six others

    Intriguingly, a day to the sham election, Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, sat over a Motion on Notice filed by the Peoples Democratic Party in suit number HIL/M/.192025, against the Osun State Electoral Commission and Hashim Abioye, the OSSIEC chairman, and held that there were vacancies in the 30 local government areas in the state, and directed law enforcement agencies to provide security during and after the local government election. According to the judge, the election conducted by OSSIEC on October 15, 2022, was invalidated by the Federal High Court in a judgment delivered on November 30, 2022, and the judgment of the Federal High Court was affirmed by the Court of Appeal on January 13, 2025.

    Those who complain that our courts are part of the challenges facing our democratic journey may have their point, as that eleventh hour ruling of Justice Aderibigbe indicates. For most Nigerians, it is strange that a high court will rely on a motion filed by the ruling PDP against the state-controlled electoral commission, to give an order that flagrantly contradicted the consequential order emanating from the judgment of the Court of Appeal. Such abuse of the court process is common across states, under this democracy.

    Sadly, many state governors have found it hard to live with the judgment of the Supreme Court which gave financial autonomy to the local governments. In desperation, the guilty governors erect all manner of obstacles to frustrate the realisation of the benefits of the judgment.

    In Anambra State, the governor got a law that sought to frustrate the import of the judgment. In Edo State, the new governor is involved in a legal tango with the local government officials elected at the twilight of the previous administration. Now, in Osun State, the governor has discarded the judgment of the Court of Appeal, like a tissue paper.   

    In addition to all these is the tragedy of having compromised electoral umpires as state independent electoral commissions. In every state, the electoral commissions usually return all the candidates of the ruling party as winners of all chairmanship and councillorship seats.

    Nigerians look forward to democracy at the local councils, and we urge the AGF to lead the legal battle to actualise that.

  • Osun govt warns against invasion of PHCs by ‘reinstated’ LGA executives 

    Osun govt warns against invasion of PHCs by ‘reinstated’ LGA executives 

    The Osun state government on Thursday raised alarm over an alleged invasion of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) by dismissed council executives, warning against such actions.

    In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Adekunle Akindele, accused an embattled All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman of forcefully entering PHCs in Ilesa local government areas.

    Akindele listed the affected facilities as Okeoye PHC (Ward 8), Irojo PHC (Ward 9), Okesa PHC (Ward 7), Ilemo PHC (Ward 4), and Ijamo PHC (Ward 5), stating that the chairman falsely claimed to be on a working visit.

    Describing the act as an illegal incursion and a display of lawlessness, Akindele warned PHC staff to avoid engaging with unauthorized visitors.

    He said: “The visit is unauthorized, unlawful, and designed to intimidate healthcare workers and disrupt essential medical services.

    Read Also: Osun council heads, finance directors accused of changing signatories to council accounts

    “For the avoidance of doubt, no local government official has the authority to inspect or interfere with the operations of our PHCs without express approval from the Primary Healthcare Board in Osogbo. Any genuine inquiry regarding healthcare administration should be directed to the appropriate authorities and not through unlawful, politically motivated intrusions.”  

    “These illegal visitors are not coming in peace. Reports indicate that they are moving around with armed thugs and dangerous weapons, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity within our healthcare facilities. This reckless behaviour is not only a threat to our dedicated health workers but also endangers the lives of vulnerable patients who depend on these centres for critical care.

    “The state government will not fold its arms while political desperadoes put the lives of innocent citizens at risk.The health and safety of our medical personnel and patients remain our top priority. Our administration will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the healthcare system for selfish political gains.” 

    He warned that any individual or group caught disrupting services will be dealt with according to the full weight of the law. 

  • JUST IN: Osun can’t conduct any lawful fresh LG election, says AGF Fagbemi 

    JUST IN: Osun can’t conduct any lawful fresh LG election, says AGF Fagbemi 

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has advised the Osun State Government not to proceed with its planned Local Government election scheduled for February 22.

    Fagbemi argued that “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 judgement 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.”

    The AGF, in a statement on Thursday night, appealed “to His Excellency, Governor Adeleke to toe the path of law in this matter and not instigate unnecessary violence in Osun State.” 

    Fagbemi added: “Nobody benefits from violence.  It is, therefore, of utmost importance for Governor Adeleke to advice Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to shelve the idea of proceeding with any Local Government Election now.”

    Part of the statement, titled: On Osun State Local Government crisis, reads: “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 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.  

    Read Also: Baobabplus Nigeria expands clean energy access in rural communities

    “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 of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, election was held into all the local governments of Osun State and winners were sworn in.  

    “However, a few days before the swearing in of Governor Adeleke, the Federal High Court Osogbo delivered the judgment referred to above in which it nullified the election of the Local Government elected officials and removed them from office.  

    “As soon as Governor Adeleke assumed office a few days after the judgment, he issued executive order for the physical removal of the elected officials and replaced them with caretaker appointees.

    ” Meanwhile, the APC that was a party in the Federal High Court case referred to above appealed against the judgment.  The Court of Appeal eventually, on 10th day of February, 2025 delivered its judgement in the appeal filed by APC against the judgement of the Federal High Court.  

    “The Court of Appeal not only allowed the appeal, it also held affirmatively that the suit that resulted in the judgment of the Federal High Court referred to above was incompetent and consequently made an order striking out the suit.

    “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.

    “According to the facts made available to my office, it was the attempt by the said elected officials to resume back in their positions that was resisted by some disgruntled elements which led to the crisis. 

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

    “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 Saturday, 22nd February, 2025. 

    “Again, the recent judgement 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 officials to another in accordance with the statutorily prescribed 3 year tenure.  

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

    “It is my opinion that the Court of Appeal Judgment of 10th February, 2025 which is superior to any High Court decision, defines the legal position in this case and represents the only legally enforceable judgment and has the legal effect of returning the initially sacked Local Government democratically elected officials of Osun State. 

    “The constitutional order which existed before the dissolution must be restored immediately since the judgment upon which the Governor acted to dissolve the democratically elected government has been declared a nullity for lack of jurisdiction of the Court to have heard the case and made those orders. 

    “My office will be happy to be available for any dialogue His Excellency may require on this matter in the interest of the peace of Osun State in particular and Nigeria in general.”