A high court in Osun State has ordered the state electoral commission to proceed with local government elections, overriding legal challenges and political tensions.
Amid ongoing controversy surrounding the control of local government offices in Osun State, the Osun State High Court in Ilesa has directed the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to conduct elections to fill vacant positions across the state’s 30 local government areas and area office.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe on Friday, February 21, 2025, followed a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), contesting the status of the affected positions.
According to the court order, the previous local government elections held on October 15, 2022, were invalidated by a Federal High Court ruling, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal on January 13, 2025. As a result, the judge mandated OSSIEC to proceed with fresh elections as scheduled on February 22, 2025.
The court also instructed security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, DSS, NSCDC, NDLEA, Amotekun Corps, and vigilante groups, to maintain order during the election process.
However, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi had earlier advised against the elections, citing a February 10, 2025, Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated previously removed local government officials. The AGF maintained that these officials should remain in office until their term expires in October 2025.
Despite this directive, the Osun State government remains firm in its decision to proceed with the elections. Governor Ademola Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to democracy and adherence to the rule of law, emphasizing the state’s commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the electoral process.
