Osun LG crisis: Let the Courts decide not calls for State of Emergency — Osun Govt tackles Basiru
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
The Osun State Government has strongly criticised the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, for advocating a state of emergency in the state.
Senator Basiru had urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend the emergency declaration imposed on Rivers State to Osun.
Responding through a statement on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, advised the APC National Secretary to allow the judiciary to resolve the ongoing dispute over local government administration.
Describing the suggestion as an underhanded attempt to seize power in Osun, the Commissioner cautioned Senator Basiru and the APC against instigating unrest.
“This demand is reckless, self-serving, and unlawful, particularly given the significant differences between the political situations in Rivers and Osun states.
“I have read the remarks of the overambitious and outspoken National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who has called for an emergency declaration in Osun, akin to what was imposed in Rivers.
“This appeal, undoubtedly stemming from a misguided perspective, is not the first time Senator Basiru has made such an outrageous claim. In the past, during a televised debate, he called for similar measures concerning the local government crisis in Osun.”
The Commissioner stressed that Senator Basiru was not alone in holding this “misguided and objectionable” view, as other APC members in Osun continued to pursue various tactics to assume power illegitimately.
“However, by the grace of God and with the unwavering support of Osun’s citizens for the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, these deceptive schemes will not succeed.
“We urge President Tinubu to see through the antics of Ajibola Basiru, a politician who has been rejected by the people, along with his APC allies in Osun. The call for an emergency declaration is not only baseless but also driven by political desperation.
“Any observer of Osun politics can see that the APC lacks the popularity and political standing to defeat Governor Adeleke in a fair election. Their only recourse has been underhanded tactics, such as their recent failed attempt to exploit a non-existent Court of Appeal ruling to reinstate their illegally installed local government chairmen and councillors. That effort nearly pushed Osun into chaos.”
The Commissioner explained that Governor Adeleke, as a leader committed to peace, foresaw the potential crisis and acted prudently by advising the duly elected local government chairmen to refrain from immediately assuming office.
“Had Governor Adeleke not demonstrated foresight and wisdom, only God knows how far the APC would have gone in destabilising our dear state while engaging in their reckless antics across local government secretariats.
“Any rational observer can see that the APC’s actions stem from frustration and a desperate attempt to render Osun ungovernable.”
The statement also referenced the ongoing legal proceedings related to the political crisis in the state, highlighting three pending cases before the courts.
“To reiterate, three cases are currently in court: the first was filed by the duly elected local government chairmen seeking the removal of the APC’s illegitimate appointees from council secretariats, scheduled for hearing on April 17, 2025. The second, instituted by Osun NULGE, is set for April 15, 2025. The third concerns contempt proceedings initiated by the APP, though a hearing date is yet to be fixed.
“Given these ongoing legal matters, shouldn’t Basiru be able to comprehend that this is a judicial issue that must be resolved in court, rather than calling for an unjustified state of emergency?” the statement concluded.
