In a significant political development, elected chairmen and councillors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State resumed office in at least 14 local government areas on Wednesday, despite ongoing legal and political tensions in the state.
As of 10 a.m., APC local government officials, accompanied by party supporters, had taken control of secretariats in multiple LGAs, including Ila, Ede South, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Boripe, Oriade, and Obokun. Additionally, reports confirmed their presence in Ejigbo, Iwo, Ayedire, and Boripe.
The resumption follows the October 15, 2022, local government elections, which were marred by legal disputes and political controversies. However, Wednesday’s development signals a determined effort by the APC to assert its control at the grassroots level.
A former Special Adviser on Education to the Osun State Governor, Jamiu Olawumi, confirmed the development, stating that security arrangements were in place to prevent violence.
“Security was top-notch. Members of the police tactical team, an armed squad of the civil defence corps, and the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed to the secretariats,” Olawumi stated.
While praising Governor Ademola Adeleke for maintaining order, Olawumi also raised concerns over alleged infiltration by political thugs.
“They should remove the thugs they brought into town. If you move around, you will see unfamiliar faces. We must not encourage violence that could endanger the people of Osun,” he warned.
Amidst the unfolding situation, Olawumi urged Governor Adeleke to seek federal intervention to ensure smooth governance at the local level.
“The governor should approach the President, the Chief of Staff, or the Inspector General of Police to resolve this matter amicably. Our chairmen and councillors are ready to work with him, even though they represent a different tier of government,” he emphasized.
