As of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, chairmen and councillors elected in the October 15, 2022, local government elections in Osun State resumed duties in 14 local government secretariats. The affected LGAs include Ila, Ede South, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Boripe, Oriade, Obokun, Ejigbo, Iwo, Ayedire, and Boripe. They were accompanied by numerous All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters.
However, their return has sparked violence, with clashes between APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters reportedly leading to fatalities and injuries. In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered security agencies to take control of all secretariats and urged residents to avoid these areas for safety.
The crisis stems from conflicting interpretations of a recent Court of Appeal ruling. The state government maintains that the judgment did not reinstate the sacked officials and insists that a prior Federal High Court ruling nullifying the October 2022 elections remains valid. Authorities have warned that any forceful takeover of council offices will lead to arrests.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has announced plans to conduct fresh local government elections on February 22, 2025. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also directed local government workers to withdraw their services until security is guaranteed.
