The political landscape of Osun State, Nigeria, is embroiled in a power struggle following conflicting directives regarding the rightful occupants of local government chairmanships. The All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a Court of Appeal judgment from February 10, 2025, instructed its reinstated chairmen to resume duties at their respective local government secretariats. This directive countered a statement purportedly circulating on social media, which the APC denounced as fake news propagated by anti-democratic forces seeking to destabilize the region. The party emphasized its commitment to the rule of law and the validity of the court ruling, urging its chairmen to disregard the disinformation and resume their service to the people.
Simultaneously, Governor Ademola Adeleke, having just overseen local government elections on Saturday and inaugurated the newly elected officials on Sunday, advised these newly elected chairmen and councilors not to immediately occupy the council offices. He cited the need to prevent potential clashes with the APC chairmen who, backed by police presence, had reportedly taken control of the secretariats. This precautionary measure aimed to maintain order amidst the escalating tension surrounding the disputed leadership. The governor’s call for restraint highlights the precarious balance of power and the potential for conflict as two sets of elected officials lay claim to the same positions.
The APC, in its press statement, explicitly accused the state government of orchestrating the false social media narrative. They characterized this alleged disinformation campaign as a desperate tactic by individuals clinging to power through underhanded means. The party reiterated its stance that the Court of Appeal judgment constituted the legitimate basis for the reinstatement of its chairmen and urged them to fulfill their mandate to serve the people. This firm stance underscores the APC’s resolve to uphold the court’s decision and reclaim its perceived rightful authority within the local government structure.
Recognizing the volatile situation and the potential for escalating conflict, the APC called upon law enforcement agencies—specifically the Commissioner of Police, the State Director of the Department of State Services, and the State Comptroller of Civil Defence—to proactively maintain peace and order across all local government areas. This appeal for heightened security reflects the party’s concern about potential clashes between the two factions vying for control. The underlying message stresses the importance of preventing violence and ensuring a smooth transition, whichever direction that transition ultimately takes.
Further emphasizing the need for stability, the APC issued a direct appeal to parents and guardians. The party urged them to caution their children and wards against becoming pawns in this political power play, warning against recruitment as political thugs by those seeking to disrupt the peace. This direct address to the community highlights the party’s concern about the potential for violence spilling over into the broader population and its commitment to preventing young people from being exploited for political gain. The message underscores the importance of community responsibility in preserving peace and security.
The root of the conflict lies in the differing interpretations of legitimacy. The APC asserts the authority of the Court of Appeal judgment, while the Governor emphasizes the outcome of the recent elections. This fundamental disagreement on which authority prevails creates a complex and potentially volatile situation. The police’s reported support of the APC-reinstated chairmen further complicates matters, suggesting a division in authority even within the security apparatus. The Governor’s call for restraint, while aiming to prevent immediate clashes, also delays a definitive resolution, prolonging the uncertainty and the potential for future conflict. The situation underscores the fragility of democratic processes when legal and electoral outcomes appear to contradict each other, leaving the population in a state of limbo.
