Governor Adeleke Must Obey Court Ruling and Halt Illegal LG Election

Ila-Orangun, Osun State – February 21, 2025

I, Hon. Chief Adeniyi Ismail Oluwatosin, a chieftain and stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, call on His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, to respect the rule of law and immediately suspend the illegal local government election scheduled for February 22, 2025.

Doing this will be the best decision following the recent and needless bloodshed that occurred earlier this week. As the people of Osun, we are known for peace and prosperity. I urge all stakeholders, beyond party affiliations, to come together and advise the governor to abort this ambition of an election, if not for anything, at least for the respect for the rule of law, peace, and in honor of the dead.

Mr. Governor, please do not forget that the Court of Appeal has reinstated the duly elected local government officials, affirming that their tenure remains valid until October 2025. Any attempt to proceed with a fresh election is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to judicial authority. The governor must not take actions that could destabilize the peace of our state.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has clearly stated that any attempt to conduct this election would be invalid and a violation of the Constitution. I urge Governor Adeleke to heed this legal advice and refrain from actions that could lead to unnecessary political tension.

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) must also respect this ruling and halt any preparations for the planned election. It is our collective responsibility to uphold democracy and ensure that the will of the people prevails.

I call on all APC members and the good people of Osun State to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will not be intimidated or silenced. Our commitment to justice, democracy, and the rule of law remains unwavering, and we expect Governor Adeleke to uphold the Constitution he swore to protect.

Signed,

Hon. Chief Adeniyi Ismail Oluwatosin APC Chieftain, 

Ila-Orangun,Osun State.