The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against plunging Osun State into chaos, urging adherence to the rule of law and discouraging any attempt to resort to self-help.
Speaking on behalf of the forum in Osogbo, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, alongside PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, emphasized the need for a lawful resolution of any grievances related to the local government election.
According to a statement by Olawale Rasheed, the Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, the two governors attended the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected local government chairmen in a show of solidarity with Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The forum reminded those instigating unrest in Osun to reflect on history and learn from it, warning against actions that could destabilize the state over a matter that could be resolved legally.
Urging the APC to desist from interference, Governor Makinde advised aggrieved parties to seek legal redress instead of taking the law into their own hands.
According to the Oyo State governor, the PDP and its governors remain committed to delivering democratic dividends to the people, adding, “My brother is delivering on his promises to the people of Osun State.
“If anybody has a judgment, there is a procedure for enforcement of court decisions. It is illegal to resort to self-help,” Makinde stated.
New LG bosses sworn-in
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke officially conducted the swearing-in of the new local government chairmen, who in turn inaugurated their councillors in a celebratory event.
Addressing the gathering, which included Governors Mohammed and Makinde, Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“We are on the side of the law within the context of the rule of law and the constitution,” Adeleke declared.
Reflecting on the journey leading to the election, the governor emphasized that the state electoral body followed due legal processes.
“We are all aware of the journey to where we are. The state is today rounding up a process that started a year or so ago. The state electoral body had issued due notice of election a year ago. I know the commission had complied with all extant rules and procedures which led to the emergence of new local government chairmen and councillors,” he said.
While acknowledging the legal disputes surrounding the election, Adeleke expressed confidence that his administration had acted in accordance with the law.
“It is, however, a thing of joy that the facts are out in the public domain, and we are satisfied that we are on the side of the law within the context of the rule of law and the constitution,” he stated.
Call for Good Governance
The governor congratulated the newly elected officials, urging them to focus on effective governance and community development.
“I congratulate all newly elected council chairmen and councillors. You have the mandate to deliver on good governance in your respective local governments.
“I charge you to develop plans of action within the manifesto of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As our government is transforming the state for the better, I call on you to be agents of change, community developers, and deliverers of the dividends of democracy,” he stated.
Thank you, Tinubu, Osun people
Governor Adeleke expressed gratitude to the people of Osun for their unwavering support and commitment to democracy.
“Osun people demonstrated courage and passion to exercise their voting rights, and they did so by massively supporting our party despite all the constraints. We will not fail you. People’s welfare will continue to be our watchword,” he assured.
He also commended the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) for conducting the election professionally and thanked security agencies and state officials for ensuring a smooth process.
Additionally, Adeleke acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s role in maintaining stability in Osun.
“I should not end this address without acknowledging the contributions of Mr. President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am most grateful to Mr. President for rejecting efforts by some forces to plunge Osun into chaos.
“I assure Mr. President of our commitment to the rule of law and the constitution for conflict resolution and governance,” Adeleke said.
Gov Urges Peace
Amid an ongoing leadership crisis at the local government level, Governor Adeleke instructed the newly elected chairmen and councillors to refrain from forcefully occupying council secretariats.
“An Osun State High Court had affirmed the vacancies in both the chairman and councillor positions in all of Osun State’s local governments before your election on February 22, 2025. We will, therefore, rely on the judiciary to ensure a peaceful removal of those illegally occupying the local government secretariats,” he assured.
Speaking on behalf of the newly elected officials, Ifelodun Local Government Chairman Hon. Sarafadeen Awotunde expressed appreciation to the electorate, the PDP, and the state government for ensuring a smooth electoral process.
“On behalf of my colleagues, we pledge our loyalty to the people and the constitution. We will not fail the electorate,” Awotunde vowed.
