Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has urged politicians to adhere to the rule of law while encouraging voters to peacefully exercise their rights in the upcoming local government elections on Saturday.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Governor Adeleke reassured the people of Osun that peace had returned following the recent unrest triggered by the unlawful takeover of local government secretariats by the court-sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors. He declared, “Osun State has regained its status as one of the most peaceful states in the federation.”
Expressing condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the illegal occupation of the secretariats, Adeleke stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law as the foundation for lasting peace in the state.
“I particularly appreciate and commend our people for complying with my directives to stay away from local government secretariats. Their cooperation has prevented further confrontations and casualties, ensuring that our state remains a haven of peace and unity.
“I regret to inform the good people of Osun State that the court-sacked APC chairmen and councillors once again forcefully entered various local government secretariats on Wednesday, 19th February 2025.
“I urge and direct everyone in Osun State to refrain from engaging with them at the local government secretariats. The judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter in this matter, and we must be patient while the courts resolve it peacefully.
“Those who claim to have a court judgment reinstating them should follow the due legal process for enforcement rather than resorting to self-help, which is illegal.
“The Nigerian judiciary has clear enforcement procedures that must be followed by all. If you have a legitimate court order, adhere to the proper enforcement protocols,” he asserted.
Governor Adeleke further explained that his administration had carefully reviewed the said judgment and sought expert legal interpretations. “There is nowhere in the judgment where a reinstatement order was granted. Regardless of any misinterpretation, the judgment contains no consequential order or reinstatement directive.
“Furthermore, the judgment in the APP suit, which led to the removal of the APC chairmen and councillors, remains valid and in effect. The APC’s appeal against this ruling was unsuccessful at the Court of Appeal, where it was dismissed.
“If the court-sacked APC chairmen and councillors persist in illegal self-help, I assure our people that the most effective resolution will come through legal channels.
“My commitment remains steadfast to upholding the rule of law and the constitution. We will allow the courts to determine the validity of their claims.
“We have confidence in the democratic credentials of President Bola Tinubu, who we trust will always uphold the rule of law.
“I urge the people of Osun to continue fostering the peace that has been restored in our dear state. Our progress depends on peaceful coexistence, which allows us to sustain and expand the good governance initiatives of the past two years. Osun State remains a beacon of peace.
“I encourage all registered voters to participate in the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, 22nd February 2025. Let us exercise our democratic rights while conducting ourselves peacefully at all times,” the governor emphasised in his broadcast.
