February 21, (THEWILL) – Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed that the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, will proceed as planned despite opposition from the Federal Government.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had on Thursday declared the planned election unconstitutional, citing the legal implications of a recent Court of
Appeal judgment delivered on February 10, 2025. The ruling reinstated sacked local government officials, overturning an earlier Federal High Court judgment that had nullified their election under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Referencing a recent Supreme Court decision affirming local government autonomy, Fagbemi warned that any fresh election conducted under the present circumstances would be invalid.
He urged the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to halt its preparations.
However, speaking on Friday while receiving a delegation of civil society groups in the state to monitor the polls, Governor Adeleke maintained that the election would go on as planned.
A statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, reaffirmed that Osun voters were ready to exercise their rights on Saturday. The Governor also expressed confidence in the level of preparedness by OSSIEC.
“I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are ready for elections tomorrow.
“They are eager to elect their chairmen and councillors. OSSIEC has done a commendable job in its preparations, and several political parties are participating. I believe the process will provide a level playing field for all candidates to test their popularity,” Adeleke said.
Addressing concerns over the election, the Governor emphasised that democracy operates under the rule of law, insisting that no individual or institution could assume the authority of the courts.
“My advice to all stakeholders, both local and national, is to respect democratic principles. My administration and the people of Osun stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help.
“The election will hold, and its outcome will accelerate development at the grassroots. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun remains a truly peaceful state,” he added.
Adeleke further argued that the Appeal Court ruling did not mandate the reinstatement of the sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) council officials removed by a lower court in 2022.
