AGF Warns Osun Government Against Proceeding with Local Government Elections

AGF Warns Osun Government Against Proceeding with Local Government Elections

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has advised the Osun State Government to halt its planned local government elections set for February 22, 2025.

In a statement issued on Thursday night, Fagbemi cautioned that any such election would be invalid, as the tenure of the recently reinstated elected local government officials remains in effect until October 2025. He further warned that proceeding with the election would constitute a grave violation of the Constitution, which Governor Ademola Adeleke has sworn to uphold.

The AGF urged Governor Adeleke to respect the rule of law and avoid actions that could lead to violence in the state. He also called on the governor to direct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to suspend the planned election.

The controversy stems from a Court of Appeal ruling on February 10, 2025, which overturned a Federal High Court judgment that had previously nullified the election of local government officials conducted under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

Following the Federal High Court ruling on November 25, 2022, Governor Adeleke removed the elected officials and replaced them with caretaker appointees. However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenged this decision in court, leading to the Appeal Court’s ruling that effectively reinstated the sacked officials.

Despite this judgment, Governor Adeleke has insisted on holding fresh local government elections.

Fagbemi emphasized that the Court of Appeal’s decision rendered the Federal High Court’s earlier ruling null and void. By implication, he stated, the elected officials removed by Governor Adeleke have been restored to their positions, and their tenure should be allowed to run until October 2025.

The AGF further referenced a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming local government autonomy, reinforcing the obligation to allow elected officials to complete their constitutionally mandated three-year tenure.

The AGF urged Governor Adeleke to ensure a peaceful transition of power and maintain law and order. He also expressed willingness to engage in discussions with the Osun State Government to resolve the matter amicably and in the best interest of the state and the nation.