The Federal Government has urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to cancel the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, citing legal and constitutional concerns. The call was made by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, during a statement addressing the ongoing political crisis in the state. Fagbemi emphasized that the law is clear on the matter, which has fueled tensions between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The crisis has already resulted in violence, including the death of a former council chairman and injuries to others during clashes over control of local government secretariats.
The Osun State government has accused the APC and former governor Gboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, of instigating the unrest. Despite the turmoil, Governor Adeleke has insisted that the elections will proceed as planned, urging residents to participate. However, Fagbemi highlighted that a Court of Appeal judgment on February 10, 2025, had overturned the order used to remove local government chairmen elected under the previous administration. This ruling effectively restored their tenure, which is set to run until October 2025.
Fagbemi warned that proceeding with the elections would violate the Constitution and called on the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to cancel the exercise. He stressed that respecting the court’s decision is crucial to maintaining the rule of law and preventing further escalation of violence. The AGF’s intervention underscores the need for adherence to legal processes and the importance of resolving political disputes through constitutional means. As tensions remain high, the situation in Osun State serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between political ambition and the rule of law in Nigeria’s democratic system.
#Osunstate
#Adeleke
No comments:
Post a Comment