The ongoing crisis in Osun State’s local government administration, stemming from a protracted legal battle between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), continues to disrupt governance at the grassroots level. The dispute centers on the legitimacy of local government officials, leaving civil servants uncertain of their reporting lines and paralyzing essential services for nearly six weeks. The crux of the matter lies in the conflicting interpretations of court rulings and the subsequent actions taken by both parties, leading to accusations of illegality, propaganda, and disregard for judicial processes.
The controversy ignited following the October 15, 2022, local government elections, in which the APC claimed victory. However, a Federal High Court in Osogbo subsequently nullified the election results, leading to the dismissal of the APC-backed officials. This decision was later overturned by the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, which reinstated the APC officials. While the APC hailed this as a vindication of their electoral victory, the PDP and the state government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, have contested the interpretation of the Appeal Court’s ruling, leading to the current impasse.
The APC insists that the Appeal Court’s decision is final and binding, accusing Governor Adeleke of attempting to circumvent the law by allegedly holding clandestine meetings with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to seek support for his position. They allege that these efforts proved futile, with the AGF reaffirming the legality of the APC-elected officials. Furthermore, the APC accuses the PDP of misleading the public and desperately clinging to power despite the court’s ruling. They contend that the PDP’s continued control of local government funds without duly elected officials is a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
Conversely, the PDP vehemently denies the APC’s allegations, labeling them as mere propaganda. They accuse the APC of forcefully taking over local councils without legal justification and misrepresenting the facts surrounding the court case. The PDP maintains that the Appeal Court ruling did not reinstate the APC officials but rather affirmed the nullification of the October 15, 2022, election. They argue that the APC’s subsequent actions are, therefore, illegal and amount to an assault on the judiciary. Furthermore, the PDP alleges the APC is misusing the AGF’s name to legitimize their actions, presenting a distorted narrative of the legal proceedings.
The PDP insists that the documents presented to the AGF, including judgments compelling the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to conduct fresh polls in February 2025, are publicly accessible and clearly demonstrate the illegality of the APC’s actions. They question why the APC, if confident in their interpretation of the court ruling, would return to the same Court of Appeal seeking to challenge a judgment they claim validates their position. The PDP views this as a clear indication of the APC’s desperation and an attempt to subvert the legal process.
As this political tug-of-war continues, the primary victims are the local government workers and the citizens they serve. Caught in the crossfire, these workers remain uncertain about their reporting lines and are hesitant to resume duty for fear of reprisals. This has led to a paralysis of local government administration, hindering the delivery of essential services to communities across Osun State. The protracted standoff underscores the urgent need for a clear and definitive resolution to the crisis, prioritizing the welfare of the people and restoring effective governance at the grassroots level. Without a swift and decisive intervention, the lingering uncertainty threatens to further erode public trust in government and exacerbate the already tense political climate in Osun State.
