By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has stated that the local government election scheduled for tomorrow will proceed as planned under the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), despite objections from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi.

The AGF had, in a statement, urged the governor to halt the election, citing a Court of Appeal judgement.

On Thursday, Fagbemi argued that elected local government chairpersons must be reinstated following the appellate court’s decision, which overturned a lower court’s ruling that had removed them.

Violence had erupted at several local government secretariats in Osun on Monday, following clashes between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Gunshots were fired during the altercation, causing panic among residents, with at least six people reportedly shot dead.

The crisis stems from the Court of Appeal’s verdict on the sacked council chairpersons and councillors, who are members of the APC. The PDP contends that the February 10 judgment of the appellate court in Akure, Ondo State, did not reinstate the affected officials, whereas the APC maintains that it did.

In November 2022, Governor Adeleke had directed heads of local government areas and area council development areas to assume control, citing a Federal High Court ruling that declared the election of the chairpersons and councillors illegal.

The AGF insists that the appellate court’s ruling reinstates the sacked officials.

However, Governor Adeleke remains resolute that the election must proceed on Saturday, dismissing the AGF’s position and demanding further clarification on the court’s ruling concerning the legality of the sacked local government chairpersons and councillors.

Speaking earlier today while receiving a delegation from a civil society coalition in the state to monitor the elections, Adeleke affirmed that Osun voters are prepared to exercise their franchise. He also expressed satisfaction with OSSIEC’s level of preparedness.

“I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are ready for the election tomorrow. They are eager to choose their chairpersons and councillors.

“OSSIEC has done a commendable job in its preparations, according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating, and I believe there will be a level playing field for all to test their popularity,” the governor stated.

Addressing concerns surrounding the election, Adeleke stressed that democracy thrives on the rule of law and that no individual or institution should assume the authority of the courts.

“My advice to all parties, including local and national stakeholders, is to adhere to democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help.

“The election will hold, and its outcome will spur rapid development at the grassroots. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state,” he concluded.