Osun LG Crisis: Elected Chairmen File Lawsuit Over Takeover Of Secretariats The legal action pursues the February 22, 2025, local government elections conducted by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), led by Barrister Hashim Abioye, which resulted in the emergence of newly voted chairmen and councillors even though there seemed to be no vacancies at the Local Government Areas.
However, the Yes/No chairmen, elected under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s administration in 2022, resisted the transition and forcefully took over all local government secretariats following an Appeal Court judgment in favour of their tenure.
To prevent political unrest, Governor Ademola Adeleke directed the newly voted officials to avoid confrontation and not attempt to reclaim their offices until the legal matter is resolved.
Citing the illegal constitution of the Yes/No chairmen’s occupation, the voted officials have turned to the judiciary for intervention, demanding their immediate eviction in accordance with Nigerian law.
The case also includes key security agencies as defendants, including the Inspector-General of Police, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 15, 2025, and has approved a request for substituted service.
Similarly, the Osun State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has filed a separate lawsuit at the Ilesha Division of the Osun State High Court, citing the Yes/No chairmen’s occupation as a direct threat to the safety and operations of local government workers.
NULGE is pushing for the immediate ejection of the former officials, prioritizing the need to protect employees from potential harm while performing their duties.
The case has been adjourned to April 17, 2025, with the court also granting substituted service.
In light of the ongoing legal battles, Governor Ademola Adeleke has adviced all parties to abide calm and exercise restraint.
He reassured the people of Osun State that the courts will ensure the removal of those unlawfully occupying local government offices.
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Category: World-News
Tag: Osun LG Crisis Elected Chairmen File Lawsuit Over Takeover Of Secretariats
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Published 3/5/2025