Local government chairmen and councillors in Osun State have resumed work at local government secretariats despite a directive from Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The officials were elected following the October 15, 2022, local government election.
Their actions have intensified the leadership crisis in the state as both political sides continue to struggle for control over local government administration.
Governor Adeleke had earlier issued an order preventing access to the local government secretariats, citing ongoing legal disputes regarding the legitimacy of some council officials.
However, the chairmen and councillors, backed by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have taken over their offices in defiance of this directive.
The officials resumed at secretariats in Ila, Ede South, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Boripe, Oriade, and Obokun. They also occupied offices in Ejigbo, Iwo, Ayedire, and Boripe local governments.
Former Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Jamiu Olawumi, confirmed that by 10 am, the officials were in their respective offices. He also noted that security operatives were on the ground to prevent violence.
“We have 14 as of 10 am. They are Ila, Ede South, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Boripe, Oriade, and Obokun.
“Ejigbo, Iwo, Ayedire, and Boripe. Security was top-notch. Members of the police tactical team, an armed squad of civil defence, and DSS are all present around the secretariat. We commend Governor Adeleke, but that is not enough.
“They should take away thugs they brought here. They have them in town. If you move around, you will see different faces that you have not seen here. They should not encourage those militants and cultists to kill the Osun people.
“It is dawn on them that the judgment is enforceable. The governor should make an attempt to see the President, Chief of Staff to the President or the IGP. He should do that much for us so that the vision of developing Osun within his current tenure will be achieved.
“Our chairmen and councillors are ready to work with him, though they are different tiers of government,” Olawumi said.
