Osun Assembly Kicks As APC Members Take Over LG Secretariats

In a dramatic escalation of political tension in Osun State, some chairmen and councillors elected in the controversial October 15, 2022, local government elections resumed offices and took over secretariats of local governments in the state on Wednesday.

Despite a directive from Governor Ademola Adeleke on Monday asking people to stay clear of local government secretariats following violent clashes triggered by opposition party members attempting to occupy the secretariats, about fourteen (14) local government secretariats were overtaken by chairmen and councillors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The newly installed local government officials justified their action based on the contentious February 10, 2025, Court of Appeal verdict, which both the ruling party and the APC have interpreted differently.

In response to the developments, the Osun State House of Assembly condemned the takeovers as unlawful. Addressing journalists, Speaker of the House, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, criticized the move, calling it a blatant disregard for the rule of law.

Egbedun accused APC members of forcefully breaking into local government secretariats across the state, arguing that the invasion was not only an attack on democratic institutions but also a clear violation of the rule of law and a direct threat to public peace and order.

“Even more disturbing is the fact that security agencies, who are supposed to uphold the law, were present while these illegal acts were being carried out. This is unjust, unlawful, and unacceptable. Law enforcement agencies must never be seen aiding and abetting criminal activities,” Egbedun said.

The Speaker emphasized that following the violence that erupted on Monday, Governor Adeleke had issued a directive ordering that all individuals, regardless of political affiliation, stay clear of the local government secretariats to prevent further conflict and maintain law and order.

He added that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fully complied with the directive, prioritizing peace and stability over political confrontations.

Egbedun called on all political actors to pursue their grievances through legitimate legal channels, rather than resorting to violence, intimidation, or force. He urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure that all illegal occupants of the local government secretariats are immediately evicted and that those responsible for the unlawful invasions are arrested and prosecuted.

The Speaker further affirmed that the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, would proceed as planned. He urged all eligible voters in Osun State to come out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights and vote for their preferred candidates.