As controversies continue to swirl in Osun State regarding the alleged takeover of local government offices by supporters of former governor Adegboyega Oyetola, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has declared its readiness to proceed with the local government elections in the state.
Earlier reports from newsmen confirmed at least six dead in the political violence as Oyetola’s alleged role in the crisis was condemned by the National Assembly Caucus for Osun State.
The council election is scheduled for Saturday, February 22.
During a press conference held at OSSIEC’s headquarters in Osogbo, the commission unveiled voting materials, signaling their commitment to moving forward with the election process.
OSSIEC Chairman, Hassim Abioye, led the event and reassured the public of the commission’s preparedness.
“We are fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. All necessary materials are in place, and we are coordinating with security agencies to ensure a seamless process,” Abioye stated.
“As I speak, all 18 registered political parties are participating in the election. We have received no notice of any party withdrawing, and this will not hinder the election process in any way,” he added.
Also at the briefing representatives from political parties, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), civil society organizations, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) were present.
Victor Akande, the Chairman of Osun IPAC, commended OSSIEC for its innovative approach and urged the commission to remain focused, despite any external pressure, in ensuring the integrity of the election.
“We appreciate OSSIEC’s transparency and expect a level playing field for all candidates,” Akande remarked.
Adebiyi Stephen, Acting State Director of NOA Osun State, echoed concerns about ensuring adequate security before, during, and after the election. He also urged political parties to properly train their members and seek legal recourse if they were dissatisfied with the process.
Meanwhile, House of Representatives member Bamidele Salam, speaking on behalf of the National Assembly Caucus for Osun State—which includes the three Senators and nine Members of the House of Representatives from the state—expressed grave concern over the rising tensions and lawlessness in Osun.
The caucus called for immediate intervention to stop the escalating violence, which includes reports of sacked local government officials and their supporters storming local government secretariats, allegedly with the help of security forces and thugs.
Allegations of violence, including shootings and harassment of local residents, were also raised.
“This unlawful takeover is occurring despite a clear ruling by the Court of Appeal in Akure, which invalidated the local government elections held in October 2022,” the caucus said.
They claimed that Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and certain APC leaders in Osun were behind the illegal actions, collaborating with security agencies to further their objectives.
The caucus continued, “The Osun State Caucus of the 10th National Assembly, which includes the three Senators and nine House Members from Osun, is compelled to address the press following recent political developments in the state.”
“These developments are centered on the judicial rulings regarding the local government elections held on October 15, 2022.”
“With the recent breakdown of law and order in Osun, we feel it is essential to speak out as elected representatives committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic values.”
“We unequivocally condemn the unlawful actions of the sacked local government officials, who are attempting to return to their offices despite the Court of Appeal’s ruling, which remains in effect.”
“Osun residents have witnessed a criminal takeover of local government secretariats, with these officials forcibly entering council offices, aided by thugs. These actions have caused widespread panic, including shootings, and undermined public safety. Disturbingly, some security personnel have supported these illegal acts, citing an alternative court ruling, despite the validity of the ruling that invalidates their supposed election.”
“On Sunday, February 16, 2025, Osun Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop Oyetola from using security forces to further this illegal takeover,” the statement noted.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (Osun State Chapter) had instructed local government workers under the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to withdraw their services until further notice to safeguard their members.
Newsmen had previously reported that Governor Adeleke raised alarms over what he described as an alleged plot by Oyetola to stoke unrest in Osun, accusing him of ordering security operatives to enforce the unlawful reinstatement of sacked local government chairmen.
