By our correspondent
The Osun State House of Assembly has strongly condemned the forceful takeover of local government secretariat by opposition members, describing it as an attack on democracy and the rule of law.
Speaking at a world press conference in Osogbo, the Speaker of the Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, accused members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of unlawfully invading local government offices across the state.
He alleged that security agencies stood by while the illegal acts were carried out, raising concerns about law enforcement’s neutrality.
Egbedun emphasized that the courts had already declared the local government elections held on October 15, 2022, as unconstitutional, rendering the tenure of those elected null and void.
He cited a ruling by the Federal High Court in Osogbo, upheld by the Court of Appeal, which affirmed that the officials had no legal right to their positions. Despite this, opposition members allegedly resorted to “self-help and brute force” in an attempt to reclaim power, leading to violent confrontations that resulted in casualties and property destruction.
The Speaker called on the Nigeria Police Force to take immediate action by evicting the alleged illegal occupants, arresting those responsible, and holding accountable any officers who enabled the crisis. He warned that failure to act could embolden further lawlessness.
Egbedun also raised concerns over the relationship between former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, and the Inspector General of Police.
He urged the police to remain impartial and not allow political alliances to influence security operations in the state.
The Speaker reaffirmed that the scheduled local government elections on February 22, 2025, would proceed as planned. He called on voters to turn out in large numbers, assuring them that the democratic process would not be derailed by intimidation or violence.
Egbedun also directed an appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to ensure that democracy is upheld in Osun State and prevent the crisis from escalating. He warned that allowing such political lawlessness to persist could set a dangerous precedent for the South West and the entire nation.
The Assembly urged Osun residents to remain calm and law-abiding while the government takes necessary measures to restore order. Egbedun expressed condolences to families affected by the violence, vowing that justice would prevail.
“The rule of law must stand, democracy must be protected, and Osun State will not succumb to political banditry,” he declared.