Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has insisted that the local government election scheduled for Saturday will go on as planned, despite advice from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
Fagbemi, on Thursday, advised the governor to halt the election and respect a Court of Appeal ruling in Akure. The court had reinstated the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen and councillors, who were removed in 2022 by a Federal High Court ruling in Osogbo. The AGF urged Adeleke to comply with the judgment to avoid legal complications.
However, in a statement released in Osogbo on Friday by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke made it clear that the election would proceed as planned. He made this remark while addressing a delegation from the Civil Society Coalition, which visited the state ahead of the poll.
The governor stressed that democracy is built on the rule of law, and no individual or group has the authority to override court decisions. He urged all stakeholders, both within and outside the state, to uphold democratic principles.
“As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help. The election is going to hold, and the outcome will fast-track development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is truly a peaceful state,” he said.
Adeleke also stated that the delegation was in Osun to observe the election process. He expressed confidence in the preparations made by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) and noted that residents were ready to cast their votes.
“I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are prepared to choose their chairmen and councillors tomorrow. The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has also done a marvellous preparatory job, according to reports at my disposal. Other political parties will participate in the election, and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity at the poll,” he said.
