Osogbo, Nigeria — The Osun State House of Assembly has strongly criticized the unauthorized resumption of office by some local government chairmen and councillors elected in the October 15, 2022 elections, calling it a violation of due process and a threat to public order.
Defiance of Governor’s Directive
Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier instructed that all individuals stay away from local government secretariats to prevent further unrest following Monday’s violent clashes. However, on Wednesday morning, some elected officials defied the directive, forcefully occupying 14 local government offices, citing a February 10 Court of Appeal ruling as justification.
Assembly Speaker Labels Action as Illegal
Addressing journalists, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, condemned the move as an unlawful takeover and a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
He accused members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of spearheading the unauthorized occupation, describing it as an attack on democratic institutions.
“This unlawful invasion is a direct affront to democracy and a clear violation of legal protocols. Even more concerning is the passive stance of security agencies, who were present but failed to prevent these illegal acts,” Egbedun stated.
Flanked by key House officials, Egbedun emphasized that the PDP-led administration fully adhered to the governor’s directive, prioritizing peace and democratic governance over political confrontation.
He urged all political stakeholders to respect constitutional provisions and seek redress through legal channels rather than resorting to force, intimidation, or violence.
The Speaker called on the Inspector General of Police to swiftly remove all illegal occupants from the secretariats and prosecute those responsible for the unauthorized invasion.
“The rule of law must prevail. Those who take the law into their own hands should be held accountable,” he affirmed.
As tensions remain high, the Osun Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to upholding law, order, and democratic principles while urging all parties to respect due process.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | February 20, 2025
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