Osun Gov Defies AGF, Insists on Holding LG Elections Amid Legal Dispute

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Despite a directive from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to suspend the local government elections, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed that the polls will proceed as planned on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

In a statement released on Friday through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke emphasized that democracy is rooted in the rule of law and that no individual has the authority to override judicial decisions.

The statement read: “My advice to all parties, including local and national stakeholders, is to adhere to democratic principles. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help. The election will proceed, and its outcome will accelerate development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state.”

The AGF, in a statement on Thursday, had urged Adeleke to instruct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to halt the election, warning that it would be invalid and a violation of the Constitution. Fagbemi cited a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Akure, which overturned a Federal High Court judgment that had nullified the previous local government elections conducted under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

The AGF argued that any election held now would be invalid, as the term of the recently restored officials extends until October 2025.

He also warned that proceeding with the election would constitute a serious breach of the Constitution, which Governor Adeleke swore to uphold. Fagbemi further cautioned against actions that could incite violence, urging the governor to prioritize the rule of law and maintain peace in the state.

The tension follows violent clashes in Osun State on Monday, February 17, which resulted in the deaths of at least six people.

The violence erupted when sacked APC local government chairmen and councillors attempted to reclaim their offices but were met with resistance from PDP supporters. The confrontation, stemming from the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn their removal by the Federal High Court in Osogbo in November 2022, led to widespread property destruction across the state.

Governor Adeleke’s insistence on holding the elections has set the stage for a potential constitutional crisis, with the AGF and the governor at odds over the legality and timing of the polls.