The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has advised Governor Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke to cancel the planned local government elections in Osun State, citing a lack of judicial foundation for the process. The Federal Government’s position follows a recent Court of Appeal judgment, which ruled that there is no vacancy in all local governments across the state.
An aspirant for the Oriade State Constituency seat in the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Fanimokun Samuel Ibikunle, has warned that Governor Adeleke should be held responsible if any crisis erupts due to the contentious election. According to him, the state government’s insistence on proceeding with the polls despite legal and security concerns is a recipe for chaos.
In a strongly worded statement, Fanimokun highlighted the red flags raised by the Nigeria Police Force over the planned elections. The police have warned of an imminent security threat, stating that intelligence reports indicate political actors and other interest groups are mobilizing for violence.
The police further urged the Osun State Government to suspend the elections, emphasizing that proceeding under the current conditions could endanger public safety. Their advisory underscores the risk of widespread unrest if the elections are allowed to take place against these warnings.
Despite these serious concerns, Governor Adeleke’s administration remains adamant about conducting the local government elections. This stance has sparked outrage among opposition figures and civil society groups, who accuse the government of prioritizing political gains over the security and stability of the state.
Fanimokun criticized the governor’s decision, stating that disregarding both the legal and security implications of the election is a dangerous move that could destabilize Osun State. He called on the people of Osun to resist any unlawful election process that could undermine democracy and the rule of law.
Legal experts have also weighed in, arguing that the Osun State Government’s defiance of the Court of Appeal ruling could lead to further legal battles and a potential constitutional crisis. They urged Governor Adeleke to adhere to the judicial pronouncement to maintain peace and order.
The controversy surrounding the local government elections has fueled political tension in Osun, with stakeholders calling for restraint and dialogue to prevent unnecessary conflict. Many residents have expressed concerns over the potential impact on security and governance in the state.
As the situation unfolds, the Federal Government, security agencies, and opposition groups continue to monitor developments closely, warning that any violence arising from the election will be the sole responsibility of the Adeleke-led administration.
