Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has cast his vote in the ongoing local government election, which has sparked controversy across the state.
The lead-up to Saturday’s election was marked by growing tension between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress.
The controversy erupted after a recent Court of Appeal judgment overturned the sack of local government chairmen and councillors, who had initially been removed by a Federal High Court ruling in November 2022.
The roots of the crisis trace back to the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, under whom the sacked officials were elected. In 2022, Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court in Osogbo had declared their election invalid. However, on February 10, 2025, the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal reversed that decision, reinstating the officials. Following the court ruling, APC members made attempts to reclaim their positions, resulting in violent clashes with PDP supporters. These clashes led to the deaths of at least six party members earlier in the week.
Despite the Court of Appeal ruling, Governor Adeleke proceeded with the election, drawing criticism from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. In a statement released on Thursday, Fagbemi cautioned Governor Adeleke against going ahead with the election, calling it a violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
According to Fagbemi, the term of the reinstated chairmen and councillors remains valid until October 2025, meaning that any election held before then would be “invalid and unconstitutional.” He further stated, “Any election conducted under the current circumstances would not only be null and void but would also undermine the authority of the judiciary and the Constitution of Nigeria.”
