Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has insisted that the local government elections scheduled for Saturday will take place as planned, despite advice from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to postpone them.
On Thursday, the AGF advised Governor Adeleke not to proceed with the election, citing a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Akure. The court had reinstated the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen and councillors who were sacked in 2022 by a Federal High Court in Osogbo.
Fagbemi urged Adeleke to respect the court’s decision and allow due process to take its course. However, the governor has rejected this advice, insisting that the election must go ahead.
Governor Stands Firm on Election
In a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to the democratic process. Speaking in Osogbo while hosting a delegation of the Civil Society Coalition, he declared that no one could assume the authority of the courts.
“Democracy is governed by the rule of law, and nobody can assume the authority of the court,” Adeleke stated. “As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help.”
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The governor also assured residents that the election would help accelerate development at the grassroots level.
“The election is going to hold, and the outcome will fast-track development at the local level,” he said. “I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is truly a peaceful state.”
Election Preparations in Full Swing
Governor Adeleke expressed confidence in the preparations made by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC). He stated that reports at his disposal indicated that the electoral body was ready to conduct a free and fair election.
“I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are prepared to choose their chairmen and councillors tomorrow,” he said. “The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has also done a marvellous preparatory job, according to reports at my disposal.”
He also noted that other political parties would participate in the election, ensuring a fair contest.
“Other political parties will participate in the election, and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity at the poll,” the governor said.
The decision to proceed with the election despite the AGF’s warning has sparked political tension in Osun. While the state government maintains that the poll will strengthen democracy, opposition parties argue that it disregards the Court of Appeal ruling.
With the election set to take place on Saturday, all eyes are now on Osun to see how the situation unfolds.