Despite a directive from Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to droop the native authorities elections, Osun Gov. Ademola Adeleke, stays resolute that the polls will happen as scheduled on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Adeleke, in a press release he launched on Friday by means of his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, stated democracy is guided by the rule of legislation and that no particular person has the authority to override the courts.
The assertion reads: “My recommendation to all events, together with native and nationwide stakeholders, is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my folks, we stand by the rule of legislation, not unlawful 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 remembers that the AGF, in a press release on Thursday, urged Adeleke to instruct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to halt the election, warning that it might be invalid and a severe violation of the Constitution.
Fagbemi referenced the latest Court of Appeal ruling in Akure, which overturned an earlier Federal High Court judgment that nullified the earlier native authorities elections carried out below former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
The AGF stated any election held could be invalid, because the time period of the newly restored officers runs till October 2025.
He additionally warned it might be a severe breach of the Constitution, which Governor Adeleke swore to uphold.
Fagbemi additional cautioned in opposition to any actions that would result in violence, urging Adeleke to uphold the rule of legislation and keep peace within the state.
Persecondnews remembers that violence erupted within the Southwest state on Monday, February 17, ensuing within the tragic lack of at the least six lives.
The chaos erupted when sacked APC native authorities chairmen and councillors tried to return to the councils however had been met with fierce resistance from PDP supporters.
This transfer was an try and implement the Court of Appeal’s judgment which had overturned their elimination by the Federal High Court, Osogbo, in November 2022.
The confrontation left a path of destruction of properties throughout the native authorities areas within the state.