The Federal Government has directed Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to suspend the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, citing a Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated previously sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen.
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, issued the directive in a statement on Thursday, warning that proceeding with the election would be illegal.
“The judgment of the Court of Appeal has effectively restored the elected local government officials removed by the Federal High Court,” Fagbemi stated.
The legal dispute dates back to the tenure of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, under whom local government elections were held. However, a Federal High Court ruling in November 2022 annulled the election results, leading to the officials’ removal. Upon assuming office, Adeleke enforced the ruling and appointed caretaker committees.
The APC challenged the decision, and on February 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal overturned the lower court’s ruling, declaring the removal of the elected officials invalid.
Despite the judgment, Governor Adeleke has insisted on holding a fresh election on February 22, a move the AGF described as a violation of the Constitution.
“It is of utmost importance for Governor Adeleke to advise the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to shelve the idea of proceeding with any local government election now,” Fagbemi warned.
Tensions have escalated in the state following the court ruling, with violent clashes reported at local government secretariats. A former council chairman was among those killed, while many others sustained injuries.
The Osun government has blamed the APC and Oyetola for the crisis, while the ruling party maintains that its members were attempting to reclaim their legitimate positions.
