The Federal Government has called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to suspend the Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday, citing a recent court ruling that reinstated the previously sacked local government chairmen.
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi made this known while addressing the ongoing political crisis in the state.
In a statement issued late Thursday, Fagbemi clarified the legal position regarding the dispute between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He emphasized that the court had nullified the order used by Governor Adeleke to remove the elected local government officials.
“My attention has been drawn to the public reaction of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, concerning the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on February 10, 2025, in Appeal No CA/AK/272/2022, which nullified and set aside the Federal High Court judgment of November 25, 2022,” Fagbemi stated.
He explained that under the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, elections were conducted across Osun’s local governments, and the winners were sworn in.
However, shortly before Adeleke’s inauguration, the Federal High Court in Osogbo nullified the election, leading the governor to issue an executive order removing the elected officials and replacing them with caretaker appointees.
Fagbemi noted that the APC appealed the decision, and the Court of Appeal, in its February 10, 2025, ruling, not only allowed the appeal but also struck out the suit, effectively restoring the elected officials to their positions.
He further stated that the crisis erupted when the reinstated officials attempted to resume office but were met with resistance.
He urged Governor Adeleke to uphold law and order by ensuring a peaceful transition of power in line with his constitutional duties.
Despite the Court of Appeal’s judgment, which affirms that the tenure of the reinstated officials remains valid until October 2025, Governor Adeleke has insisted on proceeding with a fresh local government election on February 22, 2025.
Fagbemi warned that such an election would be invalid, as the current officials’ tenure is still in effect. He also referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling upholding local government autonomy, reinforcing the obligation to maintain a smooth and legal transition of power.
“It is, therefore, imperative for Governor Adeleke to advise the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to halt any plans for a local government election at this time,” he stated.
