Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the closure of all local government secretariats across the state following deadly clashes sparked by a power struggle between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The violence, which has left five people dead, erupted after a court ruling that reinstated APC-elected chairpersons and councillors who were dismissed in 2022.
Governor Adeleke condemned the violence, which he attributed to the illegal takeover bid by the sacked APC officials. In a statement on his official X account, he said, “I hereby direct all Osun residents including politicians across all political divides to stay away from the local government secretariats to protect public properties and avoid further bloodshed.” He added, “This has become necessary, especially as the council secretariats are expected to be under lock and key, due to the withdrawal of service, announced by workers of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).”
The violence has claimed the lives of five PDP members, including two from Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government; two from Ola Oluwa Local Government; and one from Ikire. Several others have been injured, with many hospitalized. Adeleke expressed his condolences, saying, “I equally condole families of victims of the APC illegal takeover bid and chaos unleashed across the state by the APC and their hired thugs.”
The violence intensified when APC supporters attempted to forcibly take control of council secretariats across the state. In Irewole Local Government Area, Ikire, the situation escalated when former council chairperson Remi Abass was killed during a confrontation. “A gun battle ensued, resulting in his death and leaving many others critically injured,” a source confirmed.
Further violence occurred in Osogbo, Olorunda, Ilesa East, Boripe, and Ayedaade local government areas. Reports also indicated an assassination attempt on APC chieftain, Remi Omowaiye, who narrowly escaped an ambush along the Osogbo/Ilesa road. Omowaiye revealed, “My driver and police orderly sustained serious gunshot wounds. They have been taken to the hospital for treatment.”
Security forces have been deployed to the affected areas, and the state police are investigating the incidents. In the wake of the turmoil, Governor Adeleke reassured residents, saying, “I have directed security agencies to take charge of all local government secretariats and I hereby assure residents of Osun of their safety and protection of lives and properties.”