Osun, Nigeria — Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party have declared their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State amid the ongoing local government leadership crisis in the state.
The crisis stems from last year’s dismissal of Osun State local government chairmen and councillors by the Federal High Court in Osogbo, followed by their reinstatement by the Court of Appeal in Akure.
Efforts to reinstate them sparked violent clashes, leading to multiple deaths across the state.
In a statement released by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, the governors condemned the violence and highlighted Adeleke’s earlier warnings of potential unrest.
The statement read, “The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum notes with deep concern the recent political violence in Osun State, which led to the loss of lives and the destruction of property.
“The concern of the PDPGF stems from the fact that the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Ademola Adeleke had warned about the imminent breakdown of law and order and appealed to the responsible authorities to act to forestall this.
“The PDPGF condemns in its entirety the resort to self-help by political players whose conduct ought to have been guided by the provisions of extant laws in a democratic society. The Forum further notes with deep worry the resort to violence as a means of settling political and legal disputes and warns all those fanning the embers of discord to desist forthwith.”
The governors praised Adeleke for his timely warnings before political actors turned to violence, noting it as a sign of exemplary leadership.
The statement added, “Thus, the PDDGF appeals to His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, the Director General of DSS, the Inspector General of Police and the heads of other law enforcement agencies to move quickly and direct all law enforcement agencies to without further delay, contain the situation in Osun State, restore law and order and guarantee the preservation of lives and property before it spirals out of control.
“The PDPGF also notes that political leadership should be about patriotic sacrifice and service to the people and not about bloodbath and violent criminal conducts and thus, charges all the stakeholders in Osun State to abide by the law.
“In this regard, the PDPGF further avers that with regard to the protection of lives and property, there are no partisan divides or ideological divisions. Every political leader should be serving the people and working towards their safety, protection, and welfare.”
The forum expressed hope for a quick return to peace in Osun and urged the prosecution of those responsible for the violence.
Margret Oshinowo|February 20, 2025
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