Osun Governor Orders Security Agencies to Protect Local Government Secretariats as Five Killed in Political Clashes

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed security agencies to secure all local government secretariats across the state following violent clashes allegedly triggered by an attempted takeover by sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors.

In a statement shared on Monday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Adeleke called on residents and politicians from all parties to avoid the secretariats to prevent further violence and safeguard public infrastructure.

He stated: “Following reports of a failed illegal attempt to seize local government councils in Osun by the dismissed APC chairmen and councillors, I hereby instruct all Osun residents, including politicians of all affiliations, to stay away from the local government secretariats to protect public assets and prevent further loss of lives.”

The governor stressed that the council offices must remain closed, aligning with the strike declared by the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), which had earlier announced a withdrawal of services across the state.

Adeleke also expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the crisis. He confirmed that five members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were killed, with several others injured.

“The PDP lost five members, with many more wounded. Two victims were from Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government, two others were killed in Ola-Oluwa Local Government, and one person was lost in Ikire. This bloodshed must stop,” he added.

He further reassured Osun residents of their safety, saying, “I have instructed security agencies to take charge of all local government secretariats, and I want to assure our people that their lives and properties are protected.”

The political crisis in Osun has intensified in recent days, with sacked APC council officials making attempts to reclaim their offices. These efforts have led to violent clashes between opposing political factions, resulting in multiple casualties and rising tensions in several local government areas.

According to Chronicles Reporters, gunmen allegedly assassinated Remi Abass, the recently reinstated Chairman of Irewole Local Government, on Monday. Reports indicate that the attack occurred when Abass arrived at the local government secretariat with his supporters, where they were ambushed by armed assailants suspected to be political thugs.

Meanwhile, security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly arrested several individuals suspected of instigating violence in the state.

When contacted, the Osun State Police spokesperson, SP Opalola Yemisi, did not respond to calls or messages regarding the incident.

Earlier, Chronicles Reporters also reported that Governor Adeleke had raised an alarm over an alleged plan by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, to create unrest in the state. The governor accused Oyetola of illegally instructing security personnel to facilitate the forceful return of the ousted local government chairmen.

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