Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed newly sworn-in local government chairmen and councillors to stay away from their council secretariats to prevent possible unrest in the state.
The governor gave this directive on Sunday while administering the oath of office and allegiance to 30 local government chairmen and their vice-chairmen at the Osun State Government House. He noted that his administration remains focused on transforming the state and urged the newly elected officials to work in line with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) manifesto.
Addressing the officials, Adeleke described the event as the fulfillment of a long journey, stating that it marks the final stage of a process that began a year ago.
“I call on you to be agents of change, community developers, or providers of the dividends of democracy.
“We will not fail you. People’s welfare will continue to be our watchword,” Adeleke said.
He expressed gratitude to the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) and commended security agencies and state officials who contributed to the success of the election.
The governor also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for maintaining stability in Osun State.
“I assure Mr President of my commitment to the rule of law,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde congratulated the newly elected officials and reminded them of their campaign promises.
“This is an opportunity for you to deliver to the grassroots. This will be your stepping stone to higher positions, and the reward for hard work is more opportunities,” Makinde stated.
Reacting to the violence that erupted in the state on February 17, 2025, Makinde expressed his concerns and urged political actors to prevent further conflict.
“We don’t want ‘wild wild West’ again. They should stay away from this zone. We want to peacefully provide the dividend of democracy to the people.
“They should not resort to self-help even if there is a court judgment. They should not think because they have federal might, this is a federal arrangement. I will stop here.”
Before the swearing-in ceremony, OSSIEC Chairman Barrister Hashim Abioye presented Certificates of Return to the elected chairmen.
The OSSIEC chairman congratulated the new leaders and urged them to serve as true representatives of democracy through their conduct and service to the people.
OSSIEC had earlier announced that PDP candidates won all 332 councillorship positions and the 30 chairmanship seats across the state in the recently concluded elections.
