The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing political crisis between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over control of local councils. He warned that allowing APC’s alleged “political lawlessness” could trigger instability in the South West and the entire nation.
Speaking at a media briefing in Osogbo, Egbedun also urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to remain impartial despite his close ties with Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, a former Osun governor. He emphasized that security should not be compromised for personal relationships.
Similarly, Abuja-based lawyer and activist Pelumi Olajengbesi cautioned the federal government and the APC against any forceful takeover of Osun’s governance, warning that such actions could lead to chaos and anarchy. He likened the alleged forceful occupation of council offices by APC-linked groups to a coup, arguing that even if they had a court ruling in their favor, enforcing it through unlawful means was unacceptable.
Despite these warnings, reports indicate that APC-elected council chairmen and councillors from 2022 have resumed duties in at least 26 local councils. However, Jamiu Olawumi, a former aide to ex-Governor Oyetola, claimed the number stood at 14 councils.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has stepped into the dispute, resolving to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the standoff between supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke and his predecessor, Oyetola.
Adding to the controversy, the Osun PDP has alleged a plot to assassinate Governor Adeleke, claiming that the deployment of Special Tactical Forces in the state is part of a larger scheme to remove him.
In response, Governor Adeleke met with top British diplomats, accusing IGP Egbetokun of siding with the APC to enforce a “non-existent” court order. His spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, condemned the alleged police interference as an attack on democracy. British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter urged all parties to prioritize peace and adhere to democratic principles.
As tensions escalate, all eyes remain on federal authorities and the international community to ensure that the crisis does not spiral into wider unrest.
