Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the lockdown of all local government secretariats in the state to prevent further violence and safeguard public assets. The decision follows a violent conflict allegedly sparked by the attempted takeover of local councils by sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Monday evening, Adeleke urged all residents, including politicians, to stay away from the secretariats.
“Following reports of a failed illegal takeover bid of local government councils in Osun by the sacked APC Chairmen and councillors, I hereby direct all Osun residents, including politicians across all political divides, to stay away from the local government secretariats to protect public properties and avoid further bloodshed,” the governor stated.
The crisis has left tensions high across the state, prompting workers under the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to withdraw their services. As a result, the secretariats have been shut down, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
“This has become necessary, especially as the council secretariats are expected to be under lock and key due to the withdrawal of service announced by workers of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) across the state,” Adeleke added.
The governor also expressed deep sorrow over the casualties recorded during the unrest and extended his condolences to the affected families.
“I equally condole families of victims of the APC illegal takeover bid and chaos unleashed across the state by the APC and their hired thugs.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost five members, with several others wounded. Two of those members are from Iragbiji, Boripe local government.
“Another two were killed at Ola Oluwa Local Government. Another one was lost at Ikire. We must stop further bloodshed,” his statement further noted.
To restore calm and ensure the safety of residents, Adeleke has directed security agencies to take full control of all local government secretariats.
“I have directed security agencies to take charge of all local government secretariats, and I hereby assure residents of Osun of their safety and protection of lives and properties,” he affirmed.
