By Our Reporter
Despite a plea from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, urging Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to postpone the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, the governor has confirmed that the elections will proceed as planned.
In a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke assured the people of Osun that the elections would take place as scheduled. The governor stressed his commitment to the rule of law, stating, “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 be a fast-tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state.”
He further encouraged political parties and other stakeholders to adhere to democratic norms, stressing that the people of Osun were prepared for the elections and eager to choose their local leaders. “Several political parties are participating, and I believe there will be a level playing field for all to test their popularity with the masses,” the governor added.
The Attorney General had previously referenced a court order reinstating the council chairmen who were removed under the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, now the Minister of Blue Economy. Fagbemi had urged Adeleke to instruct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to postpone the elections until October 2025, when the council chairmen’s tenure would officially end. He warned that going ahead with the elections would violate the Constitution, which Governor Adeleke had sworn to uphold.
It remains to be seen what happens tomorrow, Saturday, as the situation remains tense with both the state government and the Attorney General’s office standing firm in their positions.