By Dansu Peter Tensions have escalated in Osun State following allegations by Governor Ademola Adeleke that Minister of Marine and Blue Eco...
By Dansu Peter
Speaking at a world press conference on Sunday, Governor Adeleke described the situation as an "anti-democratic agenda" aimed at causing anarchy in the state. He accused Minister Oyetola, a former governor of Osun State, of using his political influence and security agencies to defy court rulings.
"The said council chairmen were sacked before I was sworn in as governor of Osun State," Adeleke stated. "This was a decision upheld by two separate Federal High Court judgments. It is unfortunate that Mr. Oyetola is attempting to manipulate the security agencies to enforce a non-existent ruling."
The crisis stems from a recent Court of Appeal judgment that struck out a case filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but did not issue an explicit order for the reinstatement of the sacked local government officials, who are all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Adeleke warned that the security situation in Osun could deteriorate if attempts were made to impose the chairmen back into office without a clear legal directive.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a "true democrat," to intervene and instruct security agencies not to take unlawful orders from Minister Oyetola.
"I appeal to Mr. President, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of DSS, and the Attorney General of the Federation to verify the facts and prevent this blatant abuse of power," Adeleke added.
The Osun State Government has already filed an appeal and a motion for a stay of execution to prevent any enforcement of the contested judgment. However, reports suggest that security agencies are being mobilized to act as early as Monday, February 17.
Political observers warn that the unfolding crisis could lead to heightened tensions and possible violence in the state if not properly managed.
Governor Adeleke urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and legal experts to review the Appeal Court's ruling, stressing that there is no judicial backing for reinstating the dismissed officials.
He further emphasized that his administration is committed to upholding democracy and will resist any attempt to impose illegality on Osun people.
Meanwhile, security officials in the state have yet to issue a formal response to the governor’s claims.
The coming days will be crucial as stakeholders watch whether federal authorities intervene to de-escalate the brewing political storm in Osun State.
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