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GOVERNOR ADELEKE MUST REMEDY OFFICE BREACH OF OATH, SAYS APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state for conducting a local government election in flagrant disregard for the rule of law and a valid judgment of the Court of Appeal. National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, Esq., said in a statement that the election held on February 22, 2025, was a “disgraceful sham, illegal, unconstitutional and violently contemptuous of the valid and subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal”. Morka stated that the Court of Appeal had reinstated elected local government officials sacked by Governor Adeleke’s executive order, and that the APC had exercised restraint and respect for the rule of law despite the adverse decision of the Federal High Court. He questioned why Governor Adeleke refused to abide by the valid order of the Court of Appeal, and why he was determined to incite anarchy in Osun state. Felix Morka emphasized that Governor Adeleke was under constitutional obligation to respect and uphold the laws of the land, including giving effect to binding court judgments. He urged the Governor to immediately end his push for fresh local government election and abide by the valid judgment of the Court of Appeal. The APC also called on local government workers in Osun state to go about their duties peacefully and in line with the authority of the judicially reinstated chairmen and councillors. Morka further stated that the Federal Government should make federal allocation for local governments available only to democratically elected and judicially certified local government officials in Osun state.

THE UNLAWFUL INVASION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIATS IN OSUN STATE IS AN ATTEMPTED COUP – PERPETRATORS WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE

By. Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq. I have seen videos and read reports on the ongoing reckless and unlawful invasion of local government secretariats by certain individuals who claim to be acting under a purported court judgment. Let it be clearly stated that every single person who forcefully enters any local government office in Osun State—whose videos and identities are currently being collated—will be held accountable under the full weight of the law in no distant time. It is an embarrassment to my knowledge for anyone to assert that they possess a judgment while blatantly refusing to follow the laid down procedure for the enforcement of the said judgment. Let it be abundantly clear that there is no law or court judgment empowering anyone to invade and take over local government secretariats. Even if one were to assume—without conceding—that a judgment exists in favor of the APC, there is a clear and orderly process established under the Nigerian Law for the enforcement of judgment and brute force and violence is not one of such process. Enforcement of judgment is an important part of the Nigerian legal system; and as such, it must follow the prescribed procedure which does not permit resorting to self-help or anarchy at any given time. There are designated judicial and law enforcement mechanisms specifically responsible for executing court orders. Any attempt to take the law into one’s hands is not only illegal but also an act capable of breaching public peace and order in the state. If any political party or its agents genuinely believe that a judgment in their favor, such a party is expected to follow the due process of the law. Any deviation from this, including forceful occupation of government offices or self-help measures as seen and reported in the news, amounts to lawlessness. The Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies must recognize that their actions—or inactions—are being closely watched. The world is observing, and history will document the role they play in either upholding the rule of law or enabling lawlessness. The people of Osun State deserve peace, stability, and governance under the law. No individual or group has the right to take that away through illegal means. Pelumi Olajengbesi, Esq.Legal Practitioner and Osun State Citizen

OSUN LG SAGA: POLICE CONDEMN VIOLENCE, VOW TO DEAL WITH PERPETRATORS

The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the ongoing violence in Osun State, which has disrupted peace and safety in the state, leading to destruction of property and loss of innocent lives. The violence erupted in Osogbo, Osun State, on Monday as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed at the Osogbo Central Local Government Area. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has taken decisive action by ordering the deployment of additional tactical squads to Osun State to bolster security and restore law and order, said the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement. Adejobi stated that the Police recognizes that violence undermines the democratic process and threatens the wellbeing of the citizens, and hereby affirms its commitment to identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators of these acts and causing them to face the full weight of the law. The conflict began when both parties attempted to enter the council secretariat, resulting in gunshots and a man being seen covered in blood, fighting with another suspected hoodlum. The Osogbo/Ibokun Road, which passes in front of the local government secretariat, was deserted during the shooting. Armed police operatives were stationed at the entrance, while hoodlums responsible for the gunfire shot sporadically, causing panic in the neighborhood. Similar incidents occurred in other local government secretariats across the state. Adejobi reiterated that the perpetrators of these criminal acts will be fished out and made to face the consequences of their unwarranted ill-fated acts. Olumuyiwa Adejobi urged citizens to remain calm as normalcy is being restored. Osun indigenes, leaders, and stakeholders are hereby urged to shun violence and go about their legitimate businesses. The judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter of all electoral disputes and political actors must respect and abide by its rulings, upholding the rule of law and democratic principles. Adejobi stated that citizens are advised to go about their lawful business. The Force reiterates its commitment to clamping down on any violent actors who bent on creating brouhaha and breakdown of law and order in any part of the country. The situation in Osun will be closely monitored, and measures will be enforced to ensure a safe environment for all residents.