Osogbo, Nigeria — Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has cast his vote in the highly disputed local government election, which has sparked political and legal controversies across the state.
The election, held on Saturday, follows weeks of heightened tension between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). The dispute stems from a recent Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated local government chairmen and councillors previously removed by a 2022 Federal High Court verdict.
The controversy traces back to the tenure of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, under whom the now-reinstated officials were elected. In 2022, Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court in Osogbo declared the election of these officials illegal. However, on February 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Akure reversed that decision, leading to violent clashes between APC and PDP supporters. At least six people reportedly lost their lives in the conflict.
Despite the appellate ruling, Governor Adeleke proceeded with the election, a move strongly opposed by Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. In a statement issued on Thursday, Fagbemi cautioned that the tenure of the reinstated officials remains valid until October 2025, making any election conducted before then “unconstitutional and void.” He further warned that such actions undermine judicial authority.
However, an Osun State High Court in Ilesa ruled on Friday that the election could proceed. Justice A. Aderigbigbe held that the 30 local government areas in the state were legally vacant and directed the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to organize the polls. Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, DSS, Nigerian Army, and NSCDC, were ordered to ensure safety.
Despite this ruling, the Nigeria Police withdrew from the election on Friday, citing legal uncertainties and security concerns.
After casting his vote in his hometown of Ede, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his faith in the electoral process and urged residents to maintain peace.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | February 22, 2025
