The Osun State Government has announced a restriction on vehicular movement from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday as the state conducts its local government elections.
Governor Ademola Adeleke issued the directive in a statement on Friday through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. He instructed security agencies to enforce compliance, allowing only voters, accredited journalists, and civil society organizations to move freely during the election period.
The statement reads: “Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered a restriction on vehicular movement across Osun State from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, to ensure a peaceful and orderly local government election.
“Emphasizing his commitment to peace and security, the governor stated that the measure is necessary to prevent external disruptions. Security agencies have been directed to implement the restriction, ensuring that only voters and accredited media and civil society groups are permitted to move around.”
Political Tensions Rise Over LG Chairmanship Dispute
The upcoming elections are taking place amid heightened political tensions between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a Court of Appeal ruling on the dismissal of APC local government chairmen and councillors.
While the PDP maintains that the February 10 ruling by the Court of Appeal in Akure does not reinstate the dismissed APC officials elected in 2022, the APC insists that they are legally entitled to resume office.
This disagreement led to violent clashes on Monday, as both parties attempted to seize control of local government secretariats across the state. Security reports indicate that at least six people were killed and several others injured during the unrest.
