Tension as APC, PDP Supporters Clash at LG Secretariats in Osun

On Monday, supporters of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State descended upon local government secretariats across the state, attempting to take control of their administration.

The clashes between party members, often accompanied by thugs, led to violence in several local councils, where deadly weapons such as guns, cutlasses, and knives were openly used.

This unrest follows a recent ruling from the Court of Appeal on February 10, which the APC claims mandates the reinstatement of council political officials dismissed during the Oyetola administration. Governor Ademola Adeleke had called on President Bola Tinubu the previous day to caution Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, against inciting violence in the state.

The situation caused panic among residents, particularly those living near the council secretariats, as sporadic gunfire echoed through the air.

Despite a directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) urging workers to stay home, political figures pressed on with their takeover attempts at various local government offices. Some of the councils targeted included Irewole, Osogbo, Olorunda, Ayedaade, Boripe, Obokun, Ilesa East and West, Irepodun, Oriade, Atakumosa West, and Atakumosa East.

Fortunately, the presence of security forces managed to prevent the hoodlums from gaining access to some of the secretariats.