The controversy over local government administration in Osun State has intensified as Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the newly sworn-in chairmen and councillors to stay away from their offices, despite their inauguration on Sunday.
This directive follows an instruction from the All Progressives Congress (APC), which urged its reinstated chairmen and councillors to resume work at the council offices on Monday, further escalating the dispute.
The swearing-in ceremony, held in Osogbo, was attended by Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who expressed solidarity with Adeleke amid the ongoing local government crisis.
Governor Makinde cautioned against political violence in Osun and the southwest, urging President Bola Tinubu not to use federal influence to interfere in the situation.
During the ceremony, Governor Adeleke defended the legitimacy of the election, asserting that due process was followed.
“We are aware of the legal controversies surrounding the election. However, we are confident that we are on the side of the law, within the framework of the constitution and rule of law,” he said.
The governor also advised the newly elected officials to avoid confrontation and allow the legal process to take its course.
“Please stay away from the council secretariats to prevent any clashes, as the police have aided those forcefully occupying these offices. We will rely on the judiciary to ensure their peaceful removal. Be patient and abide by the rule of law,” Adeleke stated.
