Gov. Adeleke stands firm, vows to conduct council polls despite AGF’s objections

Despite a directive from Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to suspend the local government elections, Osun Gov. Ademola Adeleke, remains resolute that the polls will take place as scheduled on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Adeleke, in a statement he released on Friday through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said democracy is guided by the rule of law and that no individual has the authority to override the courts.

The statement reads: “My advice to all parties, including local and national stakeholders, is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help.

“Election is going to hold, and the outcome will be a fast-tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state.”

Persecondnews recalls that the AGF, in a statement on Thursday, urged Adeleke to instruct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to halt the election, warning that it would be invalid and a serious violation of the Constitution.

Fagbemi referenced the recent Court of Appeal ruling in Akure, which overturned an earlier Federal High Court judgment that nullified the previous local government elections conducted under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

The AGF said any election held would be invalid, as the term of the newly restored officials runs until October 2025.

He also warned it would be a serious breach of the Constitution, which Governor Adeleke swore to uphold.

Fagbemi further cautioned against any actions that could lead to violence, urging Adeleke to uphold the rule of law and maintain peace in the state.

Persecondnews recalls that violence erupted in the Southwest state on Monday, February 17, resulting in the tragic loss of at least six lives.

The chaos erupted when sacked APC local government chairmen and councillors tried to return to the councils but were met with fierce resistance from PDP supporters.

This move was an attempt to enforce the Court of Appeal’s judgment which had overturned their removal by the Federal High Court, Osogbo, in November 2022.

The confrontation left a trail of destruction of properties across the local government areas in the state.