The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke’s refusal to comply with the Appeal Court judgment reinstating sacked local government chairmen and councillors.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the party accused Adeleke of playing politics with people’s lives despite benefiting from court rulings in the past.
The APC urged him to respect the judiciary and implement the court’s decision rather than undermine its authority.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Ilerioluwa Campaign Office in Osogbo, APC State Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal, condemned the actions of some government officials following the judgment.
He warned Adeleke and his appointees against any moves that could incite political unrest, stating that the court ruling was clear and unambiguous.
Lawal emphasized that the proper course of action for the governor was to enforce the judgment and provide security for the reinstated officials, rather than seeking public sympathy or stirring controversy.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to legal and democratic means in pursuing justice.
Providing legal insight, APC State Legal Adviser, Barrister Adegoke Ogunsola, accused the Adeleke administration of deliberately misinterpreting the court’s verdict to serve its political interests.
He described the state government’s reaction to the ruling as an act of frustration and irresponsibility.
Ogunsola further criticized Adeleke for making unfounded accusations against Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He dismissed claims that the minister was influencing law enforcement agencies, urging the public to disregard such misinformation.
He called on security agencies, particularly the Inspector General of Police, to ensure that misleading narratives from the state government do not escalate into violence.
Also weighing in, former Osun Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Prince Adebayo Adeleke Banik, and former Special Adviser Hon. Jamiu Olawumi urged Governor Adeleke to uphold the rule of law.
They warned that any resulting political crisis would be his responsibility.
In response, Osun PDP Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, dismissed the APC’s claims as deliberate misinterpretation of the court ruling.
He argued that the judgment did not explicitly order the reinstatement of the sacked officials and maintained that anyone with basic legal knowledge could understand its implications.
Bisi cautioned against any attempt to forcefully reclaim local government offices, warning that such actions could have serious consequences.
He urged security agencies to remain vigilant and protect lives and property.
Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed local government workers to stay off duty starting Monday, February 17, 2025, citing security concerns.
NLC Chairman, Comrade Dr. Christopher Arapasopo, emphasized that the union remains neutral in political matters but will not allow its members to work under unsafe conditions.
He urged all parties to respect the rule of law and prevent further escalation of tensions.
To safeguard its members, the NLC has ordered local government employees in Osun to suspend work until their safety is assured. Arapasopo called on security agencies to protect workers and ensure stability in the state.
“The NLC Osun State remains committed to defending the rights, welfare, and safety of all its members,” he concluded, reassuring workers that their interests remain a priority.
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