Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged newly inaugurated local government chairmen to steer clear of council secretariats to prevent potential clashes with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ongoing dispute between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over control of local council offices has intensified following conflicting judgments from the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
During the swearing-in ceremony held in front of the Banquet Hall, Government House, Osogbo, Governor Adeleke emphasized the importance of maintaining peace despite provocations.
“I urge you and your councilors to please stay away from the council secretariats to avoid any clash with those whom the police had aided to occupy the local government secretariats forcefully. An Osun State High Court had affirmed the vacancies in both the Chairman and Councilors positions in all of Osun State Local Governments before your election on the 22nd February 2025. We will, therefore, rely on the judiciary to ensure a peaceful removal of those illegally occupying the local government secretariats,” Adeleke stated.
Acknowledging the legal complexities surrounding the elections, he expressed confidence in the judiciary to resolve the matter lawfully.
“We are equally aware of the legal controversies that dogged the holding of the election. It is, however, a thing of joy that the facts are out in the public domain, and we are satisfied that we are on the side of the law within the context of the rule of law and the Constitution. Please be patient and always abide by the rule of law,” he added.
Governor Adeleke also commended President Bola Tinubu for resisting actions that could destabilize the state. He encouraged the new chairmen to focus on serving their communities in alignment with the PDP’s vision.
“I congratulate all newly elected council chairmen and councillors. You have the mandate to deliver good governance in your respective local governments. I charge you to develop plans of action within the manifesto of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). As our government is transforming the state for the better, I call on you to be agents of change, community developers and deliverers of democracy’s dividends.
“I should not end this address without acknowledging the contributions of Mr President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am most grateful to Mr President for rejecting efforts by some forces to plunge Osun into chaos. I assure Mr President of our commitment to the rule of law and the constitution for conflict resolution and governance process,” he said.
