Political tension is mounting in Osun State as the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of using state power to suppress opposition voices, following a recent Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated local government chairmen sacked by his administration.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC warned Adeleke against actions that could incite political unrest, urging him to respect the court’s decision.
“The earlier Governor Adeleke realises that Osun State is governed by the law and not as an extension of his family estate in Ede, the better for him,” Olabisi said, criticizing the governor’s reaction to the ruling as undemocratic.
The APC argued that the reinstated chairmen legally occupied their offices, dismissing the need for fresh local government elections. It further accused Adeleke of judicial interference and urged him to seek redress at the Supreme Court if dissatisfied.
However, Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, denied the allegations, accusing the APC of plotting to destabilise the state ahead of the local government elections scheduled for February 22.
Adeleke maintained that a previous court ruling had nullified the 2022 local government elections that brought the reinstated APC chairmen into office, stating that the recent Court of Appeal decision did not override that judgement.
“The evil agenda is designed to create chaos and push for a declaration of a state of emergency,” Adeleke alleged, vowing to maintain peace in the state and directing security agencies to apprehend troublemakers.
As both parties exchange accusations, residents of Osun State brace for what could be a turbulent political season, with the February 22 elections fast approaching.
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