Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the lockdown of all local government Secretariat across the state following violent clashes over an alleged illegal takeover attempt by sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors.
In a statement posted on his official X account Monday evening, Adeleke directed all residents, including politicians, to stay away from the Secretariat to prevent further bloodshed and protect public assets.
“Following reports of a failed illegal takeover bid of local government councils in Osun by the sacked APC chairmen and councillors, I hereby direct all Osun residents, including politicians across all political divides, to stay away from the local government Secretariat to protect public properties and avoid further bloodshed,” the governor stated.
The crisis escalated as members of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) withdrew their services, effectively shutting down the council Secretariat across the state.
“This has become necessary, especially as the council Secretariat are expected to be under lock and key due to the withdrawal of service announced by workers of NULGE across the state,” he added.
Governor Adeleke also expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the clashes, blaming the APC and its alleged hired thugs for the violence.
“I equally condole with the families of victims of the APC’s illegal takeover bid and the chaos unleashed across the state. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost five members, with several others wounded.
Two of the victims were from Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government; two others were killed at Ola Oluwa Local Government; and another one was lost at Ikire. We must stop further bloodshed,” he stated.
In response to the crisis, the governor has directed security agencies to take full control of all local government Secretariat to restore order.
“I have directed security agencies to take charge of all local government Secretariat, and I assure residents of Osun of their safety and the protection of lives and properties,” he assured.
Tensions, at the time of filing this report, remain high in the state, with political stakeholders closely monitoring the situation as security forces move to enforce the governor’s directive.