Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called on politicians to uphold the rule of law and urged voters to peacefully exercise their rights ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, 22nd February 2025.
In a statewide broadcast, Governor Adeleke assured the people of Osun that peace has returned to the state after recent clashes involving the illegal forceful takeover of local government secretariats by court-sacked APC chairmen and councilors. He emphasized that Osun State remains “one of the most peaceful states in the federation.”
“The unfortunate incident reminds us that abiding by the rule of law remains the best path for a peaceful Osun State,” Governor Adeleke said, expressing his condolences to the families and friends of those affected by the illegal actions.
The Governor praised the public for their compliance with his earlier directives to stay away from the local government secretariats, which helped avert further violence. “I particularly appreciate and commend our people for complying with my directives to stay away from local government secretariats. The compliance saved our state from further confrontations and casualties,” he stated.
Adeleke also addressed the ongoing conflict, following reports of APC chairmen and councilors attempting to forcefully break into local government offices on Wednesday, 19th February. He urged citizens to avoid any confrontation and wait for the judiciary to resolve the issue. “The rule of law, through the judiciary, will eventually resolve the matter peacefully. Please, let us be patient,” he said.
The Governor reiterated that no court order reinstated the dismissed APC officials and assured that the judiciary would determine the legitimacy of their claims. “There is nowhere a reinstatement order was issued. No matter the manner of misinterpretation, that judgment contains no consequential order nor any reinstatement directive,” he confirmed.
Governor Adeleke also expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and urged citizens to continue fostering the peace that has returned to the state.
“I implore our people to continue to sustain the peace that has returned to our dear state,” he concluded, encouraging registered voters to vote peacefully in the upcoming local government elections.
The broadcast ended with a call for all voters to maintain peace on election day and ensure a smooth democratic process.