The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to suspend the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Fagbemi’s directive follows a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, which nullified a previous judgment by the Federal High Court in Osogbo. The appellate court’s decision, delivered on February 10, 2025, effectively reinstated All Progressives Congress (APC) local council chairmen who had been sacked by the lower court in November 2022.
The legal battle has further fueled political tensions in Osun State, with violent clashes erupting between members of the APC and the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). At least six people have been confirmed dead since Monday as rival factions fight for control over local government councils.
Governor Adeleke had earlier accused APC members, allegedly backed by security forces, of attempting to seize council secretariats. He also urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by restraining Minister Gboyega Oyetola, a key APC figure in the state, from escalating the conflict.
AGF Fagbemi, in a statement, emphasized that the Court of Appeal’s ruling means the reinstated local government officials should serve their full term until October 2025. He warned that proceeding with the scheduled elections would not only be unconstitutional but could also worsen the already volatile situation in the state.
“His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is fully aware of this scenario and, as a leader, should have taken steps to maintain peace and order in Osun State,” Fagbemi stated.
He further stressed that any election conducted before October 2025 would be legally invalid since the tenure of the reinstated officials is still in effect. Additionally, he cited a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming local government autonomy, reinforcing the need for a peaceful and lawful transition of power.
With rising tensions and a looming constitutional standoff, all eyes are now on Governor Adeleke’s next move—whether he will heed the AGF’s directive or proceed with the contentious election.
