The battle for control over local government councils in Osun State escalated into deadly violence yesterday, with eight people—including a local government chairman—confirmed dead and numerous others injured.
The conflict arose as elected All Progressives Congress (APC) officials attempted to reclaim their offices across multiple council secretariats, citing a Court of Appeal ruling that purportedly reinstated them. However, the state government, led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), maintains that a Federal High Court judgment nullified their election.
How the Crisis Erupted
By 8:00 AM, APC-affiliated council officials mobilized to resume work in secretariats across Boripe, Ilesa-West, Obokun, Odo-Otin, Iwo, Ayedaade, Isokan, Irewole, and other LGAs.
Tensions soared when suspected PDP-aligned thugs reportedly stormed these offices, firing gunshots in an attempt to forcefully remove the returning officials. In retaliation, APC supporters resisted, leading to a full-scale confrontation with multiple casualties.
Osun APC: ‘PDP Thugs Attacked Our People’
At a press conference in Osogbo, APC representative Jamiu Olawumi accused the PDP of instigating the violence:
“In line with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s threats, PDP thugs invaded the council secretariats and started shooting. Remi Abass, chairman of Irewole, was killed. A councillor was murdered in Isokan, and another APC member was gunned down in Ola-Oluwa LGA.”
He warned that the party would continue its efforts to reclaim the secretariats, insisting they were acting under a legitimate court ruling.
PDP: ‘APC Thugs Killed Our Members’
Conversely, Osun Commissioner for Protocol and Government Affairs, Soji Ajeigbe, alleged that APC-backed thugs were responsible for the violence.
“Two PDP members, Ege and Igara, were killed while resisting an illegal takeover. Six others also lost their lives, and several more are hospitalized.”
Governor Adeleke Responds: Orders Security Takeover
Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the violence, directing security agencies to secure all local government secretariats. Taking to his X handle (@AAdeleke_01), he wrote:
“I hereby direct all Osun residents, including politicians, to stay away from the local government secretariats to prevent further bloodshed. Security agencies have been instructed to take charge.”
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents of their safety.
Police Investigation Underway
Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that law enforcement is investigating the situation and will provide updates as more details emerge.
Osun NASS Caucus to Tinubu: Restore Order Now
Osun National Assembly members have called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and the Attorney-General to intervene and restore peace.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Rep. Bamidele Salam said:
“The people of Osun woke up to a criminal takeover of local government secretariats by sacked APC officials, backed by thugs and some security personnel. This lawlessness must be stopped.”
The caucus further accused Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of masterminding the crisis with local security heads.
PDP: Sacked Officials Can’t Return
The PDP insists that the removed chairmen and councillors have no legal right to return to office. National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, warned that any attempt to do so would have severe consequences:
“The APC should accept reality. The Court of Appeal’s judgment nullified their installation as council officials, rendering any attempt at forceful takeover futile.”
Ologunagba also urged security agencies to hold APC leaders accountable for the bloodshed, reiterating that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) will conduct fresh elections.
