The political landscape of Osun State remains fraught with tension as the leadership tussle over local government control escalates. At the heart of the conflict are the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), each vying for dominance in the local government structure. The APC State Chairman, Mr. Tajudeen Lawal, has filed a formal petition against key PDP figures, alleging a plot to instigate violence and disrupt the current political order.
Lawal’s petition, submitted to both the state police command and the Department of State Services (DSS), specifically names Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Hassim Abioye, and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The APC chairman claims the PDP is actively recruiting armed thugs to orchestrate attacks on political functionaries stationed in local government secretariats across the state. This accusation, according to Lawal, is based on credible intelligence received by the APC. He further points to a previous incident of violence on February 17, 2025, where alleged sponsored hoodlums attacked reinstated local government functionaries, resulting in the death of Remi Abass, former Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area.
Responding to the allegations, Osun PDP spokesperson, Oladele Bamiji, categorically denied the APC’s claims, dismissing them as baseless. Bamiji countered that it is the APC that is actively planning violence, potentially aiming to create instability and justify a declaration of emergency rule in the state. He highlighted public statements made by an APC governorship aspirant calling for such a measure, suggesting a pre-meditated strategy within the opposition party. Furthermore, Bamiji asserted that Governor Adeleke has explicitly instructed PDP-elected chairmen, who emerged from the February 22, 2025 elections, to steer clear of the council secretariats, emphasizing the PDP’s commitment to peaceful resolution.
Bamiji attributed the APC’s accusations to their own anxieties and fears, asserting they are projecting their past actions onto the PDP. He underscored Governor Adeleke’s commitment to maintaining peace and order, choosing to pursue legal avenues to resolve the leadership dispute rather than resorting to violence. According to Bamiji, the people of Osun State can testify to the governor’s dedication to peaceful governance, and the PDP’s actions reflect this commitment.
The ongoing tension stems from a recent verdict delivered by Justice Peter Obiorah-led panel, which seemingly reignited the struggle for control of the local government structures. Following the verdict, members of the ruling PDP expressed their intention to resume their positions at the council secretariats, currently occupied by APC-elected officials. This has led to increased security presence across various local government secretariats, including Osogbo and Olorunda, as authorities attempt to prevent potential clashes between the opposing parties.
Lawal, in his petition, emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged incitement and acts that could potentially lead to a breach of peace. He specifically called for the deployment of appropriate security measures to safeguard the political functionaries, their property, and the general public, particularly APC members in Osun State. The APC chairman stressed the importance of preventing any escalation of the current tension and maintaining law and order across all local government councils and area offices within the state.
This escalating political standoff in Osun State underscores the deep-seated rivalry between the APC and the PDP, with both parties trading accusations of violence and vying for control of the local government structures. The situation remains precarious, highlighting the need for urgent intervention by security agencies and a commitment by all parties involved to pursue peaceful resolution mechanisms to prevent further escalation and potential bloodshed. The focus now rests on how effectively the authorities can manage the situation and ensure the safety and security of all citizens, while facilitating a legal and peaceful pathway towards resolving the leadership dispute. The future stability of Osun State hinges on the maturity and restraint exercised by both the APC and PDP in navigating this highly sensitive political landscape.
