Legislators representing Osun State in the National Assembly have strongly criticized Minister Gboyega Oyetola over the alleged forceful takeover of local government offices, calling for urgent intervention to stop the escalating crisis. Reports indicate that sacked local government officials, backed by security personnel and suspected thugs, forcibly re-entered secretariats across the state.
The situation in Osun has grown increasingly tense as supporters of Oyetola, a former governor of the state, reportedly took over local government offices despite a court ruling that nullified their elections. The National Assembly Caucus for Osun State has condemned these actions, warning that they threaten peace and the rule of law.
In a statement issued by Olalekan Badmus, the special assistant on Digital Media to Governor Ademola Adeleke, and made available to Chronicles Reporters, the lawmakers voiced their concerns in Abuja on Monday, February 17, 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, House of Representatives member Bamidele Salam emphasized the urgent need for intervention. The caucus consists of the three senators representing Osun’s senatorial districts and nine members of the House of Representatives.
According to the lawmakers, the forceful takeover contradicts the ruling of the Court of Appeal in Akure, which upheld the annulment of the local government elections held in October 2022. Allegations of violence, including shootings and intimidation of residents, have been raised.
The lawmakers accused Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola and some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders of orchestrating the illegal occupation of local government offices with the assistance of security agencies.
“The Osun State Caucus of the 10th National Assembly, which includes the three senators and nine House of Representatives members, is compelled to address this crisis,” the statement read.
“These troubling events stem from the judicial decisions on the local government elections of October 15, 2022. As elected representatives, we are duty-bound to uphold democratic values and the rule of law.”
“We strongly condemn the unlawful actions of the sacked local government council officials who are attempting to reclaim their offices in defiance of the Court of Appeal’s ruling.”
“On Monday, Osun residents witnessed a brazen act as these individuals stormed council offices, backed by thugs and hoodlums. Their actions caused widespread panic, with sporadic gunfire threatening public safety. Even more concerning, some security personnel aided this illegal takeover, citing a separate court ruling that does not supersede the existing judgment.”
The statement further revealed that on Sunday, February 16, 2025, Governor Ademola Adeleke called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop Minister Oyetola from using security forces to enforce the takeover.
In response to the situation, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun has directed local government workers under the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to withdraw their services from midnight until further notice to ensure their safety.
Previously, Chronicles Reporters reported that Governor Adeleke had accused Oyetola of plotting to incite unrest by issuing unauthorized directives to security operatives to facilitate the return of the sacked council officials.
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