Osun Political Crisis: Speaker, Activist Warn Tinubu, APC Against Chaos
The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, has called on President Bola Tinubu to prevent the ongoing conflict between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over control of local councils from plunging the state into chaos.
Speaking at a media briefing in Osogbo yesterday, Egbedun accused the APC of engaging in “political lawlessness” by attempting to take over local councils, warning that such actions could destabilize not only Osun but the entire South West region.
He also urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to remain neutral and not succumb to political pressure while addressing the crisis. Emphasizing the close relationship between Egbetokun and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, Egbedun insisted that “the security of Osun State must never be sacrificed on the altar of friendship at the expense of the rule of law.”
Similarly, Abuja-based lawyer and rights activist, Pelumi Olajengbesi, warned the federal government and the APC against any attempt to forcefully seize control of Osun State, cautioning that such a move could trigger widespread chaos and anarchy.
Addressing the media in Abuja, Olajengbesi condemned the alleged forceful takeover of local councils by groups linked to the APC, describing it as a “coup.” He argued that even if there were court judgments in the APC’s favor, taking the law into their own hands was unacceptable.
Despite these warnings, chairmen and councillors elected under the APC in 2022 have reportedly resumed duties in about 26 local councils. However, Jamiu Olawumi, former Special Adviser on Education to ex-Governor Oyetola, stated that the resumption occurred in 14 council secretariats.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has intervened in the dispute. At a plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abass, the House resolved to establish an ad-hoc committee to investigate the conflict.
In another twist, the Osun State chapter of the PDP has alleged a plot to assassinate Governor Ademola Adeleke. The party claimed that the deployment of Special Tactical Forces under the IGP’s command was part of a broader scheme to eliminate the governor.
Governor Adeleke, during a meeting with senior British diplomats, accused the IGP of collaborating with the APC to enforce a “non-existent court order.” In a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke criticized the police’s actions, describing them as a threat to democracy.
Responding to the crisis, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter underscored the importance of democratic processes and the rule of law, urging all political stakeholders to prioritize peace and dialogue over conflict.
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