The political landscape in Osun State remains volatile as the chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform in the October 15, 2022, local government elections have resumed office amidst heavy security.
Their return, marked by the presence of armed police officers and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), signifies a deepening power struggle between the APC and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led administration.
A Forceful Return Amidst Tensions
Despite opposition from the PDP-led state government, the APC-backed chairmen and councillors officially resumed duties in all 30 local government areas and local council development areas (LCDAs) in the state. Reports from key council secretariats in Ifelodun, Olorunda, and Osogbo confirmed their presence, with local government staff ordered to resume work by Wednesday. Security presence has been heightened across the state, particularly along major roads and at council offices, indicating the gravity of the ongoing political standoff.
Jamiu Olawumi, a former Special Adviser on Education under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, reaffirmed that the chairmen had issued a 72-hour ultimatum for workers to return or risk losing their positions. This ultimatum puts local government employees in a precarious situation as they must decide between complying with the APC chairmen’s directives or adhering to the PDP-led state government’s stance.
Governor Adeleke’s Opposition and the Labour Union’s Stand
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who assumed office in November 2022 after defeating Oyetola in the gubernatorial elections, has strongly opposed the resumption of the APC-elected chairmen. During a swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, he directed them not to resume at their council offices, warning of potential chaos if they insisted on enforcing their authority.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also advised workers to stay home amid the uncertainty, citing the unresolved dispute between the state government and the APC. This stance by the NLC suggests that beyond the power struggle between political leaders, workers in the local government system are also caught in the crossfire, uncertain about whom to take orders from.
The Legal and Political Background of the Dispute
At the heart of this power tussle is a legal dispute over the legitimacy of the October 2022 local government elections. The PDP has long argued that the election was rushed and conducted under controversial circumstances by the previous APC administration. The APC, on the other hand, maintains that the election was valid and that its elected officials have the legal right to hold office.
Governor Adeleke, after assuming office, had dissolved the local government councils, arguing that the election violated due process. However, the APC challenged this move in court, leading to a prolonged legal battle over the legitimacy of the council officials. This has created a situation where both parties claim legal backing for their actions, leading to the current standoff.
Security Concerns and Potential Clashes
The return of the APC-backed chairmen has led to an increased security presence across Osun State. Armed police officers and NSCDC operatives have mounted roadblocks at the entrances to council secretariats and along major roads, including the Osogbo/Kwara boundary road, Osogbo/Ilesa road, and Osogbo/Ibokun road.
While no major clashes have been reported yet, tensions remain high, and there are fears that an escalation could occur if the situation is not carefully managed.
The state government and security agencies must navigate this delicate situation to prevent violence while ensuring that governance at the local level is not paralyzed.
Community leaders and civil society organizations have also called for dialogue between both parties to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Possible Outcomes and Implications
With the just-concluded elections reigniting political tensions, it is clear that Osun State has not seen the end of this power tussle. Several possible scenarios could unfold in the coming days and weeks:
- Legal Intervention: The courts may be forced to make a decisive ruling on the legitimacy of the APC-elected chairmen, settling the dispute once and for all.
- State Government Retaliation: Governor Adeleke’s administration could take stronger executive or legislative measures to unseat the APC-backed chairmen, potentially leading to more legal battles.
- Workers’ Dilemma: Local government staff may remain in limbo, unsure whether to comply with the APC chairmen’s directives or wait for further instructions from the state government.
- Security Challenges: If tensions continue to rise, there is a risk of clashes between rival political factions, which could destabilize governance in the state.
The Role of the Federal Government
Given the growing tension, there have been calls for the federal government to intervene and mediate between the opposing parties. The Ministry of Local Government Affairs and other relevant agencies may need to step in to ensure that the crisis does not escalate beyond control.
What’s Next for Osun State?
The next few days will be crucial in determining whether the APC-backed local government chairmen can maintain their grip on the councils or whether Governor Adeleke will take stronger measures to assert control. Key questions remain:
- Will the state government attempt to use legal or executive measures to unseat the APC-backed chairmen?
- Will the local government staff defy the state government’s directive and resume work under the APC-led councils?
- How will security agencies navigate the growing tension without escalating conflicts?
- Can a political resolution be reached, or will Osun State remain in a state of uncertainty?
One thing is certain: the battle for power in Osun’s local government system is far from over.
The political maneuvers in the coming days will shape not only the future of local governance in the state but also the broader political dynamics ahead of the next general elections.
Stakeholders must tread carefully to avoid a full-blown crisis that could disrupt governance and development in Osun State.
