The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to delay the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Fagbemi’s request comes after the Court of Appeal, Akure division, nullified a previous judgment by the Federal High Court, Osogbo, which had removed elected All Progressives Congress (APC) council chairmen.
The AGF emphasized that the appellate court’s ruling effectively restored the sacked APC officials to their positions, with their terms now running until October 2025.
Fagbemi stated, “Accordingly, the judgement of the Court of Appeal had by implication effectively restored the elected Local Government officials removed by the Federal High Court, back to their offices.”
The political climate in Osun has been tense in recent days, with violent clashes between APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members over control of local councils. At least six people have died since Monday due to the violence.
Governor Adeleke, a member of the PDP, previously raised alarms over attempts by APC members, allegedly backed by security agencies, to take control of the council secretariats.
The governor has also urged President Bola Tinubu to caution APC Minister Gboyega Oyetola amid concerns of further escalation.
Fagbemi further cautioned, “Any such election that may be held will not only be invalid since the term of office of the elected officials just restored by the judgement of the Court of Appeal will still be running until October 2025, it will also amount to an egregious breach of the Constitution which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold.”
He concluded by highlighting the importance of adhering to constitutional mandates, noting the Supreme Court’s recent validation of Local Government autonomy, which strengthens the obligation for a peaceful and lawful transition of elected officials.