The crisis in Osun State over the alleged forceful takeover of local government offices by men loyal to former governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has taken a dramatic turn.
The National Assembly Caucus for Osun State has condemned the actions of Oyetola and his allies.
According to a press statement shared by Olalekan Badmus, the special assistant on Digital Media to Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke and seen by newsmen, the lawmakers made their stance known in Abuja on Monday, 17th February 2025.
It was noted that House of Reps member, Bamidele Salam, speaking on behalf of the caucus—which includes the three Senators representing the state’s senatorial districts and nine Members of the House of Representatives — expressed grave concern about the growing unrest and lawlessness in Osun.
The caucus called for immediate intervention to halt the escalating crisis, following reports of sacked local government officials and their supporters breaking into local government secretariats, with security personnel and thugs allegedly aiding the action.
Allegations of violence, including shootings and harassment of local residents, were also raised.
“This forceful takeover is happening despite a clear ruling by the Court of Appeal in Akure, which upheld the annulment of the local government elections held in October 2022,” the caucus stated.
The representatives claimed that Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, along with some APC leaders in Osun, were behind the unlawful actions, collaborating with security agencies in the state to further these illegal activities.
The statement continued, “The Osun State Caucus of the 10th National Assembly, Abuja, which includes the three Distinguished Senators representing the three Senatorial Districts of the state and the nine Honourable Members of the House of Representatives representing the nine Federal Constituencies in Osun State, has chosen to address the press following recent political developments in our state.”
“These developments center around judicial rulings on the local government election held on October 15th, 2022.”
“In light of the recent breakdown of law and order in Osun, we find it imperative to address this situation as elected representatives who have sworn to uphold the rule of law and protect democratic values at all times.”
“we unequivocally condemn the brazen actions of the sacked local government council officials, who have unlawfully attempted to return to their offices despite the Court of Appeal’s decision in Akure, which remains in effect.”
“Today, the people of Osun witnessed a criminal takeover of local government secretariats across the state by these sacked officials, who forcibly entered council offices, aided by thugs and hooligans.”
“These individuals have been wreaking havoc, shooting sporadically and causing widespread panic, undermining public safety. Shockingly, some security personnel have supported these actions, citing a different court judgment, despite the existence of a ruling that invalidates their supposed election.”
“On Sunday, 16th February 2025, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, from using security forces to perpetuate this illegal takeover,” the statement noted.
“The Nigerian Labour Congress (Osun State Chapter), to protect its members, has instructed Local Government workers under the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to withdraw their services from 12:00 am until further notice,” the statement issued by the Osun State government read.
Newsmen had previously reported that Governor Ademola Adeleke raised alarm over what he described as an alleged plot by Oyetola to incite unrest in Osun State.
Adeleke had accused Oyetola of issuing unlawful orders to security operatives to enforce the illegal return of sacked local government chairmen.
