Despite a directive from Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to suspend the local government elections, Osun Gov. Ademola Adeleke, remains resolute that the polls will take place as scheduled on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Adeleke, in a statement he released on Friday through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said democracy is guided by the rule of law and that no individual has the authority to override the courts.
The statement reads: “My advice to all parties, including local and national stakeholders, is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help.
The outcome will be a quick-tracked development at the local level, according to the statement. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state. “
Persecondnews is reminded of Adeleke’s request to the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to halt the election, which the AGF had earlier stated in a statement on Thursday. Adeleke was warned that the election would be unlawful and in grave violation of the Constitution.
Fagbemi made reference to Akure’s recent Court of Appeal decision, which overturned a previous Federal High Court decision that invalidated previous local government elections held by former governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Any election, according to the AGF, would be invalid because the newly restored officials’ terms are up until October 2025.
He also warned it would be a serious breach of the Constitution, which Governor Adeleke swore to uphold.
Adeleke is urged to uphold the rule of law and keep the state at peace, according to Fagbemi, who further warned against any actions that might lead to violence.
Persecondnews is aware of the tragic loss of at least six lives in the Southwest state on February 17 as a result of the violence.
When APC local government chairmen and councillors were fired, chaos broke out when PDP supporters resisted and attempted to retake office.
This action was intended to quake the Court of Appeal’s decision in November 2022 that had overturned their removal by the Federal High Court, Osogbo.
Source: Per Second News
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