By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed the newly elected local government chairmen and councillors to work from home, citing the need to maintain peace and avoid violent clashes amid ongoing electoral disputes in the state.
The directive follows a series of tense confrontations between members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over control of local government secretariats. Recently, a Court of Appeal ruling reinstated previously sacked APC local government officials, leading to heightened tensions and violent incidents across several council areas.
Governor Adeleke, in a statement issued on Sunday, emphasized the importance of adhering to legal procedures rather than engaging in physical confrontations. He urged both parties to await the final judicial pronouncements on the matter, warning against any actions that could escalate the situation further.
“In light of the current legal dispute, and to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order, I am directing all newly elected local government officials to work remotely while we await further judicial clarification,” Adeleke stated. “Our government is committed to upholding the rule of law, and we will not allow political violence to disrupt governance at the grassroots level.”
The governor’s decision comes amid reports of clashes between rival political groups, resulting in injuries and property damage in some areas. In response, security agencies have been deployed to local government secretariats to maintain order and prevent unauthorized access by any political group.
Meanwhile, some APC chairmen and councillors have reportedly disregarded the governor’s directive, choosing to resume work at the council secretariats despite the tense atmosphere. This has further deepened the leadership crisis within the state’s local government administration.
Political analysts believe that Adeleke’s decision to keep newly elected officials away from the secretariats is a strategic move to avoid further escalation while awaiting legal resolution. However, opposition members argue that the directive undermines local governance and denies elected officials access to their offices.
The Osun State government has assured residents that the situation is being closely monitored and urged political actors to remain law-abiding. “We appeal to all stakeholders to exercise patience and allow due process to take its course. The government remains committed to ensuring that the will of the people prevails without resorting to violence,” the statement added.
As tensions persist, the people of Osun State are keenly watching the unfolding political drama, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes stability and development over party interests.
