The situation in Osun State appears to be escalating, with both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration exchanging strong statements over the legal and political issues surrounding the local government chairmen and the upcoming elections.
The APC has raised serious concerns about Governor Adeleke’s actions, accusing him of suppressing opposition and undermining the judiciary, especially after the Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated the local government chairmen dismissed by the Adeleke administration. They argue that the ruling must be respected and that Adeleke should seek legal redress at the Supreme Court if dissatisfied, rather than making inflammatory remarks that could potentially incite violence.
Governor Adeleke, on the other hand, has rejected the APC’s claims, insisting that there is no legal basis for the reinstated chairmen to continue in office, as a previous court ruling had invalidated the 2022 local government elections. He accused the APC of creating chaos ahead of the February 22nd local government elections, which he argued were part of an agenda to destabilize the state. He further assured the public that security measures would be taken to maintain peace and that any illegal activities would be met with strict enforcement of the law.
This political tension, particularly with both sides accusing each other of fostering unrest, seems to be a delicate situation that could potentially lead to conflict if not handled carefully. The APC’s warning about possible violence and PDP thugs allegedly attacking their members adds another layer of complexity to the issue. The claim that the governor’s actions could escalate tensions is a point of concern, given the seriousness of the stakes.
It appears both parties are firmly entrenched in their positions, with the APC seeking to defend the legality of the reinstatement of the local government chairmen, while Governor Adeleke insists on the validity of previous rulings that negate these chairmen’s positions. The outcome of this dispute, especially with the upcoming elections, is likely to play a significant role in the political future of the state.
