Direct NSA, IGP to restore order, Osun NASS caucus to Tinubu

The Osun State Caucus in the National Assembly has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the growing political crisis in the state by directing the National Security Adviser and the Inspector-General of Police to restore law and order immediately.

The caucus accused the former governor of the state and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of being behind an attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take over local government councils across the state.

Addressing a news conference on Monday, the spokesperson of the caucus and Leader of the Osun caucus in the House of Representatives, Rep. Bamidele Salam, alleged that the APC in Osun State was acting on what he called a non-existent judgement.

The ongoing crisis stems from conflicting interpretations of a recent Court of Appeal judgement, which nullified the judgement of the lower court that had sacked elected local government chairmen in the state.

Salam said that while the appellate court nullified the judgement of the lower court, it did not issue a consequential order reinstating them.

The caucus warned against using political thugs to destabilise the state, stressing that the situation was rapidly deteriorating and could lead to widespread violence if not urgently addressed.

Salam cautioned against what he described as a dangerous attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to forcefully take over local government councils in the state.

He urged the President to advise the APC leadership in Osun to abandon what he termed an illegal and futile mission, adding that the ruling did not grant the APC-backed officials any legal right to reclaim their offices.

“Apart from the Appeal Court decision nullifying the High Court judgement in the PDP’s case, the appellate court also dismissed a similar suit filed by the APC concerning the Action Peoples Party. The APC had abandoned the case and, as such, no ruling was given in their favour,” he said.

Despite this, he alleged that the former council chairmen, whose election had previously been nullified, had forcefully reoccupied the councils.

According to him, this move, rather than being legally justified, was a desperate attempt to take control of the councils even though the APC has already chosen to participate in fresh local government elections scheduled for 22 February 2025.

The caucus further alleged that the forceful takeover of the local government secretariats had led to violent clashes across the state.

PDP members and local government workers in several councils—including Isokan, Boripe, Boluwaduro, Ayedaade, and Ilesa—were reportedly attacked, with security agents allegedly aiding some of the aggressors.

Salam expressed concern that the situation could escalate into full-blown anarchy, as law and order had already begun to break down in various parts of the state.

“What we are seeing now is a direct invitation to chaos. Political thugs, emboldened by certain forces, are attempting to take the law into their own hands, and if this is not curtailed immediately, Osun State will descend into crisis,” he said.

Reports indicate that on Monday, several people were injured in different local government areas as clashes erupted between APC and PDP supporters. The affected councils include Ayedaade, Boripe, Osogbo, Olorunda, Ila, Isokan, Irewole, Obokun, and Atakumosa.

The caucus also alleged that at Boripe Local Government, PDP members holding a meeting were attacked by a group that included armed policemen and political thugs.

“At Boluwaduro Local Government, a notorious thug known for his allegiance to the APC allegedly led assaults on PDP members, shooting sporadically across major towns in the area,” Salam said.

He further alleged that at Ayedaade Local Government, an APC-affiliated group shot a PDP member dead, leaving several others wounded.

At Ilesa East, he said that PDP supporters were attacked with machetes in a brutal attempt to seize control of the local government secretariat.

The caucus alleged the complicity of security agencies in the forceful takeover of local government offices. Salam accused security personnel of taking sides in the political crisis, enabling the violent invasion of council offices.

*”There is clear evidence that these illegal activities are being carried out with the support of some security personnel.

“Despite a subsisting court judgement affirming their removal, these officials, aided by thugs, have been allowed to return to office unlawfully. The role of security agencies in this unlawful occupation raises serious questions about their neutrality and commitment to upholding law and order,”* he said.

Salam accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of masterminding the takeover of the local government secretariats across the state in connivance with security agencies.

He warned that any continued interference by security forces would only deepen the crisis and further threaten peace in Osun State.

The caucus called on President Tinubu to take decisive action to prevent further escalation of violence in the state.

“We are calling on Mr President to direct the Inspector-General of Police to immediately restore law and order in Osun State,” Salam said.

He also urged the President to instruct the National Security Adviser and the Attorney-General of the Federation to properly advise the APC leadership in Osun on the futility of their actions.

“It is imperative that those who seek to unlawfully seize control of local government councils be reminded of the legal consequences of their actions,” he added.

The caucus reaffirmed its support for the Osun State Government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, stating that the ongoing local government election process should be allowed to proceed without unlawful interference.

The caucus maintained that the removal of the previous council chairmen was legally justified, as their election was conducted in violation of the 2022 Electoral Act.

“It is baffling that the same APC, which has purchased forms, conducted primaries, and actively campaigned for the upcoming local government elections, is now attempting to forcefully reinstate its sacked officials. This contradiction underscores the lawlessness of their actions,” Salam said.

The caucus emphasised that the continued unrest could lead to a full-scale crisis if left unchecked.

“We want to make it clear that, as representatives of the people, we stand firmly by the Osun State Government in defence of democracy and the rule of law,” he said.