Defiant Osun Holds LG Elections Amid AGF, Police Suspension Order

Despite directives from the AGF and the police to suspend the election, Osun State forged ahead with its local government polls, sparking legal and political tensions.

As planned, voting began on Saturday morning in the Osun State local government election despite earlier controversy.

The exercise began in certain local governments as early as 8 a.m., including Ede North Local Government Area, where Governor Ademola Adeleke cast his vote.

After casting his vote, the governor described the exercise as peaceful and urged the people of the state to come out and vote calmly.

At various polling stations, voters were observed casting their ballots as the process proceeded smoothly.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, along with the Nigeria Police Force, had requested that the exercise be suspended.

The AGF based his appeal on a contentious Court of Appeal ruling that purportedly reinstated the previously dismissed local government chairmen and councillors, while the police pointed to a security threat.

Voting is currently underway in the Osun local government election.

The justice minister stated that on February 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Akure overturned the Federal High Court’s decision from Osogbo, which was originally issued on November 25, 2022.

The Attorney General of the Federation stated that the appellate court’s decision indicates that the All Progressives Congress (APC) local council chairmen, who were previously dismissed by a lower court, have been reinstated.

The Police reported receiving credible intelligence that suggested a high likelihood of violence and major security threats if the planned elections were to take place.

In a statement issued by Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police clarified that information obtained through collaborative intelligence efforts indicates that several groups, including political factions and other interested parties, are organizing to incite unrest, disrupt public peace, and destabilize the democratic system.

Nevertheless, the Osun State government decided to proceed with the election, emphasizing their intention to comply with a court order that mandated the elections.

In a statement, Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment in Osun State, emphasized that the government will adhere to the rule of law.

Rather than complying with the court order, it is unfortunate that the police are choosing to follow a partisan agenda by actively opposing the rule of law as outlined in today’s court ruling.

If the police decide to disobey court orders, the Osun state government will adhere to the rule of law. Consequently, the state government has chosen to support the state electoral commission in conducting credible, free, and fair elections tomorrow.

“We express our gratitude to the police for their guidance. While we have politely declined the request, we encourage Osun voters to exercise their voting rights peacefully on Saturday,” part of the statement said.

A High Court in Osun State, chaired by Justice A.A. Aderibigbe and located in Ilesa, previously mandated the Osun State Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to hold elections to fill vacant seats for local government chairmen and councilors across all 30 local governments within the state.

Meanwhile, the primary opposition party, the APC, has withdrawn from the election.

On Saturday morning, our reporter traveled around Oshogbo, the state capital, and noted that the city was calm. Commercial activities were nonexistent as a few residents ventured out to attend to tasks before the election began. Police officers were visible on the roads.