Stay away from LG secretariats, Adeleke tells newly elected chairmen, councillors 

Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, Sunday, sworn-in the newly elected chairmen and councillors and warned them not to go to their offices.

Adeleke who insisted that the Saturday election was valid based on the judgment of Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe of Friday February 21, 2025 which held that there is vacancy in all the local government areas before the election, vowed that the council would be reclaimed for them.

Swearing in the new chairmen and councillors at the government house, Osogbo, Adeleke maintained that the state electoral body has complied with the extant rules and procedures. 

“We are all aware of the journey to where we are. The state is today rounding up a process that started a year or so ago. The state electoral body had issued due notice of election a year ago. I know the commission had complied with all extant rules and procedures which led to the emergence of new local government chairmen and councillors.

“We are equally aware of the legal controversies that dogged the holding of the election. It is however a thing of joy that the facts are out in the public domain and we are satisfied that we are on the side of the law within the context of rule of law and the constitution.

“I urge you and your councilors to please stay away from the council secretariats to avoid any clash with those whom the police had aided to forcefully occupy the local government secretariats. 

“An Osun State High Court had affirmed the vacancies in both the Chairman and Councilors positions in all of Osun State Local Governments before your election on the 22nd February 2025. 

“We will, therefore, rely on the judiciary to ensure a peaceful removal of those illegally occupying the local government secretariats,” Adeleke said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for not supporting plans to cause chaos in Osun, promising that he would uphold the rule of law and constitution.

“I should not end this address without acknowledging the contributions of Mr President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am most grateful to Mr President for rejecting efforts by some forces to plunge Osun into chaos. I assure Mr President of our commitment to the rule of law and the constitution for conflict resolution and governance process,” Adeleke said.

Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, urged the chairmen and councillors to remember the promises made during their campaign and make sure that dividends of democracy are delivered to the people at the grassroots.

“Nobody should resort to self help even if there is a court judgment. They should not think because they have Federal might. This is a Federal arrangement,” Makinde said.