…Inside the raging crisis tearing Osun’s local councils apart
The contest for control of Osun State’s 30 local government areas has erupted into a major political and constitutional standoff, with rival factions laying claim to grassroots authority and plunging the state into a deepening crisis over governance, legality, and legitimacy.
The impasse stems from competing claims between officials elected under the current Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-backed administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke and those from a previously annulled All Progressives Congress (APC) election. Both sets of officeholders are now jostling for recognition and control of council structures across the state.
The Osun State House of Assembly has firmly aligned itself with the PDP-led February 22, 2025 local government elections, declaring them the only legally recognised process in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution. In a charged plenary session, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, announced unequivocally that only the PDP-elected council chairmen and councillors hold legitimate authority.
Quoting Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution, Egbedun maintained that the February election was the sole constitutionally sanctioned exercise. The Assembly also condemned what it described as the “illegal occupation” of local council offices by individuals linked to the APC’s October 15, 2022 election, which was voided by the PDP-led government.
The lawmakers categorically dismissed a purported Court of Appeal ruling in favour of the APC officials, denouncing it as lacking constitutional merit and “without legal effect.”
The House further raised alarm over alleged moves by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Osun branch, to process local government funds through individuals it referred to as impostors. Lawmakers characterised the move as a “direct assault on the laws of Osun State and the Nigerian Constitution,” insisting that only designated finance and administrative directors have the authority to manage such funds.
While the state legislature drew a hard line, dissenting voices from the federal level quickly challenged the position.
Honourable Oluwole Oke, who represents Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, issued a scathing open letter to Governor Adeleke, accusing his administration of deliberate attempts to discredit senior federal officials, including President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun governor, Dr Gboyega Oyetola, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso.
Oke criticised the governor for what he described as politically motivated resistance to the Court of Appeal’s ruling, which, according to him, reinstated the APC-elected local government officials. He argued that the administration’s refusal to comply was inflicting undue hardship on residents who rely on local councils for basic governance and services.
“You are punishing us, the people who depend on functional local government administration in Osun State, by refusing to comply with a valid court order,” Oke said, claiming Adeleke had forfeited the opportunity to contest the ruling at the Supreme Court.
He called on the governor to recognise the APC officials and allow them to complete their constitutionally guaranteed three-year term, or alternatively, compensate them in full for the duration of their tenure.
“What remains is for you to direct NULGE workers to resume duties under the leadership of the APC-elected officials,” Oke declared. “If not, pay them their emoluments for the next three years.”
He concluded with a pointed message to the governor: “Both APC and PDP members are citizens of Osun. You owe us all an equal duty of care.”
The clash over grassroots leadership has now evolved from a partisan struggle into a fierce legal confrontation, drawing in state lawmakers, federal legislators, and national institutions. With both camps refusing to yield ground, the constitutional dimensions of the crisis continue to widen, leaving governance in Osun’s local councils in limbo.