By our correspondent
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, has called on politicians to uphold the rule of law and urged voters to exercise their rights peacefully in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday.
In a statewide broadcast from Osogbo, the governor reassured residents that peace has been restored following recent tensions over the forceful takeover of local government secretariat by court-sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councilors.
The governor reaffirmed Osun’s status as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.
Adeleke expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives or were injured during the crisis. He emphasized that adherence to legal procedures remains the best path to maintaining peace.
“I particularly commend our people for complying with my directive to stay away from local government secretariats,” Adeleke said. “This compliance has prevented further confrontations and casualties, allowing Osun State to return to its peaceful nature.”
He noted that despite a previous directive, the court-sacked APC chairmen and councilors attempted again on Wednesday, February 19, to break into secretariat.
The governor urged residents to avoid confrontation and allow the judiciary to handle the matter.
“Those claiming to have a court judgment ordering their reinstatement should seek enforcement through legal channels rather than resorting to self-help,” he stated. “Our government has reviewed the judgment and consulted legal experts, and we have found no order of reinstatement within it.”
Governor Adeleke reiterated that the judgment that removed the APC chairmen and councilors remains valid, as their appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeal.
He assured residents that his administration is committed to the rule of law and will allow the judiciary to resolve the dispute.
Expressing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to democracy and legal processes, Adeleke called on Osun residents to continue maintaining peace.
“I urge all registered voters to participate in Saturday’s local government elections and to conduct themselves peacefully at all times,” he concluded.