The Osun State Government has clarified that the Court of Appeal did not reinstate the sacked local government chairmen, emphasizing that there is no ruling that allows them to return to their positions.
The state government, in a statement released today, urged security agencies to take necessary action against anyone attempting to disrupt the peace, especially those attempting to forcefully re-enter council offices.
“The attention of the Osun State Government has been drawn to the judgement of the Court of Appeal, delivered today, Monday, 10th of February, 2025 wherein the originating summons filed by the PDP to challenge the validity of the election held on 15th of October 2022 was dismissed on the ground that the notice of the election had not been published by OSSIEC before the suit was filed,” the statement noted.
The government also reminded the public that another suit filed by the Action Peoples Party (APP) had previously been dismissed by the Federal High Court, which declared the local government election held on 15th October 2022 as unconstitutional. The judgement nullified the election and sacked all the persons who were elected into office under that poll.
In a direct appeal to the people and security forces, the government said, “There is no judgement restoring the Yes and No Local Government Chairmen back into the various Local Government Councils in Osun State.”
The statement warned that those attempting to disrupt the current peace in the state, including political thugs or intruders seeking entry into any local government secretariat, would face arrest and prosecution. It also emphasized that security agencies should be informed of any such attempt.
The Osun State Government further reassured the public that the local government elections scheduled for 22nd February 2025 would proceed as planned, urging full cooperation from citizens and local administrators.
In the words of Hon. Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi: “We want to ensure peace and stability in Osun. Any attempt to undermine the legal processes or create unrest will not be tolerated.”