AGF Orders Osun Governor Adeleke to Halt LG Polls as Court Reinstates APC Chairmen

 AGF Orders Osun Governor Adeleke to Halt LG Polls as Court Reinstates APC Chairmen

In a dramatic legal showdown, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has issued a decisive directive to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, ordering an immediate halt to the planned local government elections scheduled for February 22, 2025. This order follows a landmark judgment by the Court of Appeal in Akure, which overturned the removal of All Progressives Congress (APC)-affiliated local government chairmen, reinstating them to their elected positions.

The Legal Battle Over Local Government Leadership

The controversy dates back to October 15, 2022, when the Osun State Government, under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, conducted local government elections. However, on November 25, 2022, the Federal High Court in Osogbo nullified the polls, citing legal irregularities. This decision paved the way for Governor Adeleke, upon assuming office, to issue an executive order removing the APC-backed chairmen and appointing caretaker committees in their stead.

The APC, contesting the legality of this move, pursued a judicial review. Their efforts culminated in the Court of Appeal's ruling on February 10, 2025, which dismissed the Federal High Court’s verdict, thereby restoring the ousted officials. The appellate court held that the lower court’s suit was incompetent, reaffirming the legitimacy of the originally elected chairmen.

AGF’s Directive and Constitutional Implications

Following the appellate court’s judgment, AGF Fagbemi underscored that the reinstated officials’ tenure remains constitutionally valid until October 2025. He cautioned that proceeding with fresh local government elections would not only be illegal but a flagrant violation of constitutional provisions.

“Any such election that may be held will not only be invalid but will also amount to an egregious breach of the Constitution, which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold,” Fagbemi declared, referencing a recent Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the autonomy of local governments.

The AGF stressed that Governor Adeleke must facilitate a seamless transition in compliance with constitutional mandates rather than instigating further political tension.

Escalating Tensions and Political Unrest

The judicial ruling has intensified political tensions in Osun State, with clashes between APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters turning violent. Reports indicate that at least six individuals have lost their lives in the escalating conflict, as both parties vie for control over local council administrations.

Governor Adeleke has raised concerns over alleged moves by APC loyalists, purportedly backed by security operatives, to forcibly reclaim council secretariats. In response, AGF Fagbemi urged the governor to prioritize law and order, warning that any action inciting further violence could destabilize the state.

Diverging Legal Interpretations and the Path Forward

Despite the Court of Appeal’s verdict, the Osun State Government maintains that the ruling did not explicitly mandate the reinstatement of the sacked chairmen. Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, asserted that the Federal High Court’s original judgment nullifying the 2022 elections remains legally binding.

This conflicting legal interpretation has placed Osun’s political landscape in a state of uncertainty. The AGF has signaled his willingness to engage in dialogue with Governor Adeleke to ensure a peaceful resolution, emphasizing adherence to the rule of law and the avoidance of further turmoil.

A Defining Moment for Osun State

As the February 22 local government election date looms, the political climate in Osun State remains tense. The unfolding events underscore the intricate balance between judicial rulings, constitutional mandates, and the volatile nature of local politics. Whether Governor Adeleke complies with the AGF’s directive or pushes forward with the election could shape the state’s democratic integrity for years to come.

The next steps taken by both the Osun State Government and federal authorities will determine the course of governance and the rule of law in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.