Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has affirmed that the local government election scheduled for Saturday would go ahead as planned.
The governor stated this on Friday while receiving a delegation of members of civil society coalition who were in the state to monitor the local government elections.
Recall that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, had cautioned the governor against going ahead with the polls.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Mr Fagbemi had urged the governor to instruct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to halt the election, warning that it would be invalid and a violation of Nigerian Constitution.
He cited a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Akure, which overturned an earlier Federal High Court judgement that nullified the previous local government elections conducted under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Mr Fagbemi noted that any such election that may be held will not only be invalid since the term of office of the elected officials just restored by the judgement of the Court of Appeal will still be running until October 2025, but it will also amount to an egregious breach of the Constitution.
He further cautioned against any actions that could lead to violence, urging Mr Adeleke to uphold the rule of law and maintain peace in the state.
However, in defiance of the directives of the AGF, Mr Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesman Olawale Rasheed, emphasised that democracy is guided by the rule of law and that no individual has the authority to override the courts.
“I welcome you all to Osun state. Our people are prepared for elections tomorrow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors.
“OSIEC has also done a marvellous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating, and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity with the masses,” the governor was quoted as saying.
“My advice to all parties, including local and national stakeholders, is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help.
“Election is going to hold and the outcome will be a fast-tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state,” Mr Adeleke noted.
