 while attempting to forcefully take control of local government secretariats.){kind=link}
Violence erupted in Osun State as APC-affiliated thugs, allegedly aided by security operatives, killed four members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while attempting to forcefully take control of local government secretariats.
In Isokan Local Government, three PDP members were shot dead by APC thugs during their attempt to seize the local government office. A PDP leader recounted the harrowing event, saying, “The thugs, backed by security forces, fired on us indiscriminately, killing two of our members.”
In Boripe Local Government, PDP members conducting a peaceful meeting were attacked by MOPOL and thugs linked to Marine Minister Gboyega Oyetola. Two PDP members were killed, and several others were injured during the attack in Iragbiji, as described by Adelowo Adekunle.
Boluwaduro Local Government also saw brutal violence as APC thugs, led by Asiri Eniba, launched assaults on PDP members, firing indiscriminately across the area.
In Ayedaade Local Government, an APC-led attack resulted in the death of one PDP member, with several others wounded.
In Ilesa East, APC thugs stormed the local government secretariat, using machetes to attack PDP members. However, the assault was repelled by the local population.
Despite these violent incidents, reports from across the state indicated that the APC’s attempt to seize control of Osun’s local governments ultimately failed.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has thanked the people of Osun State for their resolute defense of democracy as the All Progressives Congress (APC) failed in its attempt to unlawfully take over local government offices on February 17, 2025.
The controversy stemmed from conflicting decisions by the Appeal Court in Akure. One ruling overturned the Federal High Court’s decision that had ousted APC officials from their local government positions, while another ruling upheld their dismissal.
Despite these rulings, the APC, led by former Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, made an unlawful attempt to forcibly retake the councils, even though no legal order had reinstated the dismissed officials.
In a press briefing on February 16, 2025, Governor Adeleke appealed to President Tinubu, urging him to intervene and prevent Oyetola from leveraging security forces to carry out the illegal takeover.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in solidarity with Osun workers, instructed local government employees under NULGE to suspend their services until further notice.
Earlier today, sacked APC officials attempted to force their way into local government offices in Ifelodun, Boripe, and Ife North. However, concerned citizens swiftly mobilized to safeguard the premises and block the illegal takeover.
Reports from across Osun—including Odo Otin, Iwo, Ila, Oriade, and others—confirmed that the local population successfully secured their councils, preventing any further APC encroachments.
The attempted invasions in Ifelodun, Ilesa East, and Isokan were also repelled by the people, and normalcy has been restored.
However, sporadic gunfire was reported in Ayedaade and Ife North, where sacked APC chairmen attempted to force their way into local government buildings.