Adeleke insists on LG election in Osun despite Attorney-General’s warning on constitutionality

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed that the local government election scheduled for Saturday, February 22, will proceed as planned under the supervision of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).

The governor made this statement on Friday while receiving a delegation of civil society organizations in the state to monitor the election.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke expressed confidence in OSSIEC’s preparations and emphasized the eagerness of Osun voters to exercise their voting rights.

“Our people are prepared for the election tomorrow. They are eager to elect their chairmen and councillors. OSSIEC has done a commendable job in preparing for the polls, and several political parties are participating.

“I believe there will be a level playing field for all candidates to test their popularity with the masses,” Adeleke said.

Addressing controversies surrounding the election, the governor stressed that democracy must be guided by the rule of law and cautioned against unconstitutional actions.

“My advice to all parties, including local and national stakeholders, is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help. The election will hold, and its outcome will accelerate development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is truly a peaceful state,” he added.

However, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has advised the Osun State Government against proceeding with the election.

Fagbemi argued that any such election would be invalid, as the term of office for the recently reinstated local government officials, following a Court of Appeal judgment, remains valid until October 2025.

He further warned that conducting the election would constitute a violation of the Constitution, which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold.