In the wake of a landmark Court of Appeal ruling, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has reiterated his commitment to resolving the ongoing local government crisis through peaceful and legal means. The governor’s official spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, released a statement on Monday in Osogbo detailing Adeleke’s stance.
Governor Adeleke hailed the Court of Appeal, Akure Division’s judgement as a validation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) local government chairmen and councillors’ legitimacy. The ruling, he said, conclusively dispelled false claims about the reinstatement of All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors.
“The APC chairmen councillors were sacked by the court, which has affirmed the legitimacy of the PDP chairmen and councillors. Unlike the opposition, we are people of due process,” Adeleke declared.
He emphasized that the judgement is being communicated to all relevant parties at both the state and federal levels, with the expectation that normal governance will soon resume in line with legal directives.
The governor also praised the PDP local government officials for their exemplary patience and dedication to peace since their swearing-in. “Your patience and support for the law have paid off,” he noted appreciatively.
Security agencies were commended for their role in preserving peace and order in Osun State. Governor Adeleke urged residents to continue demonstrating restraint and avoid actions that could provoke unrest.
“Evil plots against our dear state on all fronts have been foiled. We must continue to remain peaceful and never allow agents of violence and enemies of the people to drag the state into violence and backwardness,” he warned.
The crisis traces back to a legal challenge against the October 15, 2022 local government elections, which featured only APC candidates. The All Peoples Party (APP) initially contested the elections’ legality at the Federal High Court, with APC joining the suit later.
The Federal High Court nullified the elections, and APC’s appeal was struck out for lack of diligent prosecution on January 13. The Court of Appeal’s recent dismissal of APC’s application to relist the appeal on June 13 has reinforced the Federal High Court’s decision.
This development solidifies the PDP’s control over the local government councils in Osun and marks a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.