REV. BUNMI JENYO HAILS OSSIEC OVER HITCH- FREE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION
DESCRIBES EXERCISE AS PEACEFUL, CREDIBLE
A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State and the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo has commended the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission ( OSSIEC) for the professional conduct of the Local Government Election, held on Saturday.
“From all indications, the democratic exercise confirms the indomitability of PDP in Osun state”, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo asserted.
Rev. Jenyo ascribed the resounding victory of the PDP at the council polls, across the 30 Local Governments and area office, to the well-coordinated campaigns, the popularity of the candidates and desire of the electorates to replicate Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke at the grassroots.
“The eleventh hour withdrawal of the major opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election cannot undermine the credibility of the exercise because APC is just one out of 18 political parties that participated”, Rev. Jenyo stated further.
Rev. Jenyo also emphasized that the reasons for their withdrawal was laughable as the conduct of the election was not restrained by any court of law.
“I believe they withdrew probably because they are yet to come out of the shock of their past electoral defeat”.
“For the records, the administration under Governor Ademola Adeleke, PDP is well positioned to deliver the dividends of democracy with quality governance, and opposition APC will find it difficult to win any election again in Osun State”, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo submitted.
He therefore encouraged the general public to expect a vibrant grassroots development and impactful governance across the state as the elected officers, are figures who are prepared to justify their mandate.
Signed: Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Osun State. 22nd February, 2025.
OSUN GOVERNMENT REJECTS POLICE ADVICE ON LG ELECTION, SAYS OSUN IS PEACEFUL AND COURT ORDERS MUST BE OBEYED
Osun state government has acknowledged the security advice from the Nigerian Police Force but regret to announce that the advice is rejected on the ground of rule of law and aversion to police partisanship.
The state government under His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke has reviewed the advice and has come to the conclusion that the proposal from the force headquarters was biased, partisan and in contravention of democratic tenets. The pretence of the service to be serving public good while actually promoting illegality of the APC reinforces our rejection of a Greek gift.
From the beginning of this face off, the police has breached best practices by its open support for the All Progressive Congress, a party that is pushing for illegality through a non- existing court order. The whole world knows how the police actively aided the APC to enforce a reinstatement order that was never issued by any court of law.
A law enforcement agency has suddenly become a partisan wing of a political party, the APC, thereby losing all toga of a fair law agency. The negative role of the police to ignite the current face off made its advice a poison chocolate.
Beyond the above, we also call the attention of the police to the court judgment of today. It contains three orders which affirm vacancies in Osun councils by authenticating the sacking of the APC council chieftains. directed the police and other security agencies to provide security for the election and gave go ahead to fresh LG elections by Saturday 22nd.
Instead of the police to obey court order, the service is regrettably pursuing its partisan line by actively working against rule of law as espoused by today’s court ruling.
If the police choses to disobey court orders, the Osun state government will not go against rule of law, hence the decision of the state government to support the state electoral commission to conduct a credible free and fair elections tomorrow.
We thank the police for their advice. We respectfully turned down the request while we urge Osun voters to peacefully exercise their voting rights on Saturday.
Signed: Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment
OSUN LG POLLS: GOVERNOR ADELEKE ORDERS RESTRICTION OF VEHICULAR MOVEMENT
Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered restriction of vehicular movement from 5am to 5pm on Saturday 22nd February 2025 across Osun state.
This was contained in a statement by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, which was made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Friday.
The directive of the State Governor was sequel to the statewide local government elections that are scheduled to be held tomorrow across the state.
Governor Adeleke who reiterated his commitment to peace and security said the movement restriction is necessary to prevent importation of hoodlums into the state amidst local elections.
He therefore directed security agencies to enforce the restriction and only allow voters and accredited media and civil society organizations for the continued peace and security of Osun state.
COURT AFFIRMS VACANCY IN OSUN LOCAL COUNCILS, ORDE eRS OSSIEC TO PROCEED WITH ELECTION
● POLICE, ARMY, DSS, NSCDC, OTHERS ORDERED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SECURITY
The Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa, has ordered the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, (OSSIEC), to conduct elections into the vacant positions of local government chairmen and councillors in all the 30 local government areas and the area office in Osun State.
This order was made on Friday, 21st of February, 2025, sequel to a suit brought before the court by the Peoples Democratic Party, one of the political parties participating in the election.
The order came at a time the OSSIEC has concluded arrangements for the local government election, slated for Saturday 22nd February 2025.
The court found as a fact, that the election conducted by the 1st Defendant on 15th October, 2022, having been invalidated, nullified and voided, and the purported elected officials produced by the purported election having been sacked by the Federal High Court in FHC/CS/OS/103/2022; ACTION PEOPLES PARTY (APP) VS. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) & Ors, delivered on the 30th November, 2022 and as confirmed by the decision of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No: CA/AK/226M/2024; ALLIED PEOPLE MOVEMENT (APM) & Ors VS. ACTION PEOLES PARTY (APP) & ORS delivered on the 13th January, 2025, vacancy actually exists in the political administration of local councils in the State, thereby, consequently upholding the prayers of the PDP in the suit.
Consequently, the Court granted the prayers of the claimant, seeking an order of the court “directing, mandating and compelling the defendants to fill the vacancies across the 30 local government areas of Osun State through a democratic process by proceeding to conduct the local government elections already scheduled by the defendants for 22nd of February, 2025.”
The court further directed and compelled all the security agencies, comprising of the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Army, the department of State Security Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante group etc in the state to provide adequate security, during and after the election.
TEXT OF A STATE BROADCAST BY GOVERNOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE AT THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE ON FEBRUARY 20TH, 2025
OSUN REMAINS A PEACEFUL STATE: GOVERNOR ADELEKE
I am elated to once again address the good people of Osun state and lovers of democracy and rule of law worldwide. After the recent unfortunate incident, which was a result of the illegal forcefull take over of Osun State Local Government Secretariats by the Court-Sacked APC chairmen and Councilors. Osun State is back to normalcy as one of the most peaceful states in the federation.
I hereby console the families and friends of those who lost their lives and those who sustained injuries in the illegal take-over of the local government secretariats by the Court-Sacked APC chairmen and councilors across the state. That unfortunate incident reminds us that abiding by the rule of law remains the best path for a peaceful Osun State.
I particularly appreciate and commend our people for complying with my directives to stay away from local government secretariats. The compliance saved our state from further confrontations and casualties. It has returned the state of the living spring to its peaceful and loving nature.
I regret to report to the good people of Osun State that the Court- Sacked APC chairmen and councilors went back yesterday, Wednesday, 19th February 2025, to forcefully break into the various local government secretariats. I urge and direct everyone in Osun State to stay away from the Local Government Secretariats to avoid any confrontation with them. The rule of law, through the judiciary, will eventually resolve the matter peacefully. Please, let us be patient.
Those who claim to have a court judgment that ordered their reinstatement should approach the court for the enforcement of the said order of court instead of resorting to self-help, which is illegal. The Nigerian judiciary has its enforcement procedure, which everyone must follow. If you have a genuine court order, follow the court enforcement protocols.
As a government, we have read through the said judgment. We have submitted it to the best of legal minds for interpretation. There is nowhere a reinstatement order was issued. No matter the manner of misinterpretation, that judgment contains no consequential order nor any reinstatement directive. Most importantly, the judgment in the APP suit, which Sacked the APC chairmen and Councilors, is still subsisting and alive. The appeal by APC against this judgment did not succeed at the Court of Appeal. The APC appeal was dismissed.
If the occupying Court-Sacked APC chairnen and cancellors chose to continue on the path of illegal self-help, I assure our people that the best route to resolution is the rule of law through the judiciary I am committed to upholding the rule of law alongside the passionate observance of the constitution. We will allow the court to determine the correctness or otherwise of their claim. We have confidence in the democratic credentials of President Tinubu, who we know will always insist on the rule of law.
I implore our people to continue to sustain the peace that has returned to our dear state. We need peaceful coexistence to expand our good governance delivery of the past two years. Osun state remains truly peaceful
Finally, I urge all registered voters to vote in the local government election of Saturday, 22nd February 2025, and to conduct themselves peacefully at all times
Once again, I appreciate lovers of democracy and the rule of law worldwide. Osun is the hub of democratic ideals, the home of true democrats.
HE, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Executive Governor of Osun State.
OSUN LG ELECTION : APC ALLEGEDLY HIRES HOODLUMS TO INTIMIDATE PDP LEADERS
Ahead Council polls, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has hired political thugs and impostors to intimidate notable PDP leaders and public office holders in the administration of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.
This, according to reports from the Osun Leadership Forum, is to disrupt the forthcoming Local Government election across the 30 Local Governments and area office, Modakeke.
Recall that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has concluded arrangements to conduct elections into the Local Government areas across the State.
Nigerian Platform reliably gathered that it did not go down well with the opposition which withdrew from the exercise at the instance of a controversial Appeal Court judgement delivered on Monday, 10th February, 2025.
The APC aided by the Nigerian Police Force has forcefully taken over some Local Governments. Boasting of the Federal might, the party has vowed to leave no stone unturned, in stopping the LG Election.
“They also plan to attack, assassinate and kidnap PDP’s frontline leaders across the State, beginning from 12:00am on the Election Day”, Osun Leadership Forum alleged.
Some of the PDP leaders allegedly under APC’s watch include the Speaker , Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, Osun State PDP Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, Honourable Commissioner for Information, Barr. Kolapo Alimi, Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo and “some Commissioners”.
The report stated that the APC also plans to unleash mayhem during Saturday election, by ballot snatching, stuffing, to be carried out by APC thugs in Police uniform.
GOVERNOR ADELEKE MEETS BRITISH DIPLOMATS, ACCUSES IGP OF EXECUTING LAWLESSNESS ON OSUN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Amidst illegal occupation of local governments in Osun state, Governor Ademola Adeleke today met top British diplomats and accused the Inspector of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun of executing and imposing illegality on local councils in the state.
This was contained in a statement by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, made available to newsmen in Osogbo, on Wednesday.
“It is unfortunate and a disservice to democracy that the Inspector General of Police is colluding with the APC to enforce a non-existing court order. This is a serious threat to democracy in Nigeria”, the Governor told the British diplomats led by the Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter.
Governor Adeleke who reaffirmed his readiness for peace, free and fair elections on Saturday said Osun, a peaceful state, faces combined assault of security forces who rather than protect rule of law are busy aiding and abetting violations of the democratic process.
“You are in my state at a critical juncture in our political life. We face existential threat to our democratic life from those who should protect democracy. We have made the best of efforts to guarantee peace on the unfolding local government question. I directed members of the political class to stay away.
“But the opposition supported by the police went ahead to break into the local government secretariats. Security men openly supported them to enforce illegality”, the Governor noted.
“Nonetheless, our local government election is holding on Saturday. Our people are ready for elections. We will not allow democracy to be destroyed.
“We call on the diplomatic community to take judicious note of the rape of democracy ongoing in Osun state. We particularly call attention to the negative role of security agents in the crisis. All stakeholders must abide by rule of law in a democracy. There is no room for self help ”, the Governor told the visiting diplomats.
He told the diplomats that Osun has made great advancement in the various sectors, adding “We have reduced infra deficit by 40 percent, cut down state debt by 40 percent, attend to workers’ welfare and enroll pensioners in state health insurance scheme.
The Governor further told the delegation that Osun has liberalised the ease of doing business environment and harmonized taxation alongside a 45 days window for issuance of certificate of Occupancy.
British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, in his remarks during the visit, stressed the importance of democratic processes and the rule of law.
He urged all political actors to prioritize peace and dialogue over conflict.
“Nigeria is a key partner to the UK, and we encourage all stakeholders to uphold democratic values, ensure peaceful governance, and respect legal institutions.
“It is vital that law enforcement remains neutral and that political disputes are resolved through lawful channels,” Baxter said.
Mr Baxter was accompanied on the trip by Katherine Fernandes, Second Secretary Political and Wale Adebajo, Senior Political Adviser.
OSUN STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Delivered by the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun
Date: 19th February 2025 Venue: Osun State House of Assembly Complex
Fellow citizens of Osun State, members of the press, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is with a deep sense of responsibility that the Osun State House of Assembly addresses the people of our dear state and the global community regarding the recent unlawful developments in our local government administration.
Over the past few days, Osun State has witnessed an unprecedented escalation of political tension, threats to law and order, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law. This crisis stems from a coordinated, illegal attempt to forcefully seize control of our local government councils by individuals who have no legal or constitutional right to those offices.
Today, members of the opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), forcefully broke into local government secretariats across the state. This unlawful invasion is not only a direct attack on our democratic institutions but also a clear violation of the rule of law and a threat to public peace and order. Even more disturbing is the fact that security agencies, who are meant to uphold the law, were present while these illegal acts were being carried out. This is unjust, unlawful, and unacceptable. Law enforcement agencies must never be seen aiding and abetting criminal activities.
The Osun State House of Assembly strongly condemns these acts of lawlessness and impunity. We want to make it abundantly clear that this state will not succumb to political banditry and unconstitutional actions. Every individual found guilty of orchestrating or participating in this lawless takeover will be brought to book and held accountable under the full weight of the law.
THE FACTS AND THE LAW
The Federal High Court in Osogbo declared the local government elections conducted on October 15, 2022, as unconstitutional, null, and void due to their violation of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022. (See: ACTION PEOPLES PARTY VS. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION [INEC] SUIT NO. FHC/OS/CS/103/2022.
An Appeal was immediately filled against this decision
The Court of Appeal, in its judgment delivered on January 13, 2025, dismissed the appeal against this ruling, upholding the Federal High Court’s decision and confirming that those elected through the illegal process have no legal or constitutional claim to office. (See: Allied Peoples Movement & Ors. Vs. Action Peoples Party & Ors. CA/AK/226M/2024.)
Despite this clear and subsisting judgment, members of the APC have resorted to self-help and brute force in an attempt to illegally occupy government offices, thereby instigating violent confrontations that have already led to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Even more concerning is the active presence of law enforcement officers while these illegal acts were being perpetrated. The Nigeria Police was physically present as opposition members forcefully broke into government buildings. This is a clear failure of duty and a direct affront to justice and the rule of law. The people of Osun State do not expect law enforcement agencies to stand idly by while criminals violate our laws, let alone actively facilitate such unlawful actions.
In response to these developments, the Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nuruden Adeleke has issued a directive that all individuals, regardless of political affiliation, must stay clear of the local government secretariats to prevent further crisis and uphold law and order.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has fully complied with this directive because we prioritize peace, stability, and democratic governance over political confrontation.
THE POSITION OF THE OSUN STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
We strongly denounce any form of lawlessness, violence, or forceful occupation of government institutions under any guise.
We affirm that the Federal High Court’s judgment remains binding and must be respected by all parties until set aside by a competent court.
We call on security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to protect government institutions and ensure that those responsible for this act of illegality are prosecuted.
We demand that the Nigeria Police Force uphold its constitutional duty to maintain law and order without bias or compromise.
We warn all political actors to desist from unconstitutional acts and to pursue their grievances through legitimate legal channels rather than resorting to violence, intimidation, or force.
OUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
The Nigeria Police Force is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives, ensuring peace, and upholding justice. However, recent events in Osun State suggest that elements within the force may have compromised their neutrality.
We had anticipated that external pressures might attempt to manipulate security agencies in Osun State, but we never expected that such compromises would emerge this early. We thought these forces would at least wait until the next gubernatorial election before making their moves, but instead, they have chosen to destabilize our state prematurely.
The Osun State House of Assembly is not unaware of the close relationship between Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the former Governor of Osun State and the current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Inspector General of Police. However, while personal relationships may exist, the security of Osun State must never be sacrificed on the altar of friendship at the expense of the rule of law.
No individual, no matter how highly placed, should manipulate security agencies to serve political interests at the expense of peace and stability. The police must not allow themselves to become a tool for political subjugation or a shield for those violating the law.
The responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force is to serve and protect all Nigerians, not to take sides in political disputes. The people of Osun State demand and deserve fairness, impartiality, and professionalism from the security agencies.
We, therefore, urge the Inspector General of Police to act in the interest of justice and security rather than bowing to undue political influence. Osun State cannot and will not be held hostage by personal alliances at the top. The law must stand, and justice must prevail.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) must act swiftly and decisively to:
Ensure that all illegal occupants of the local government secretariats are evicted immediately.
Arrest and prosecute all individuals involved in this unlawful invasion.
Hold accountable any police officers who facilitated or failed to prevent these illegal acts.
Restore public confidence in the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force.
Prevent further escalation of violence and political intimidation.
Failure to act will only embolden those who seek to undermine our democratic institutions.
THE UPCOMING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS ARE SACROSANCT
The local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, remain sacrosanct. We call on all eligible voters in Osun State to come out en-masse and freely exercise their democratic right to vote for their preferred candidates.
The Osun State House of Assembly assures the people that no amount of intimidation, violence, or political desperation will stop the democratic process. We also call on security operatives to carry out their duties professionally, ensuring that voters are safe, polling units are protected, and law and order are maintained before, during, and after the elections. We urge all stakeholders, including political parties, electoral officials, and the general public, to respect the democratic process and uphold the integrity of the elections.
A MESSAGE TO THE PRESIDENT
Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you are not just the leader of this nation, you are one of us, a son of the South West. We call on you to ensure that democracy is not trampled upon in your own political stronghold.
This level of political lawlessness should not be happening in the South West, and certainly not in Nigeria. The South West has always been a model of political stability, governance, and democracy. Allowing such a dangerous precedent to stand in Osun State today will only open the doors for similar acts of impunity across the region and the nation.
Mr. President, this is a test of leadership. We urge you to intervene immediately to prevent Osun State from descending into chaos.
A CALL FOR PEACE AND ORDER
Osun State is a state governed by laws, not by chaos. We urge our citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant.
The Osun State House of Assembly stands firm in its commitment to protecting democracy, ensuring stability, and defending the will of the people. Finally, we express deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this senseless violence. Their death must not be in vain. Justice must and will prevail.
Osun State will prevail. Democracy will stand. The rule of law will be upheld.
Thank you.
Rt. Hon. Olumide Adewale Egbedun, Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly.
REV. BUNMI JENYO CELEBRATES DR. EDDY OLAFESO AT BIRTHDAY
The Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Osun State, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo has felicitated with the erstwhile PDP Chairman in Yorubaland, Dr. Eddy Olafeso on the auspicious occasion of his birthday anniversary.
This was contained in a statement by the Commissioner, which was made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Tuesday.
According to the Commissioner, Dr. Olafeso remains a factor that is formidable enough to grow people’s destinies, not only in the South West but Nigeria as a country.
He described him as an excellent performer, loyal partyman and indefatigable leader of leaders, who is genuinely committed to nation building, development and prosperity of his people.
“Dr. Eddy Olafeso is a leader, father and a figure whose reputation, in the area of human development and people’s welfarism cannot be overlooked. He has contributed meaningfully to the socio-economic and political landscape of Nigeria and beyond” the Commissioner said.
“I wish this special gift of GOD to humanity a resounding celebration on this special occasion. Many more fruitful and prosperous years ahead by HIS grace, AMEN.”
Congratulations my boss and brother!
Signed: Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Osun State. 18th February, 2025.
GOVERNOR ADELEKE TO OSUN PEOPLE: STAY AWAY FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIATS
●CONDOLES VICTIMS OF APC ILLEGAL TAKE OVER BID
Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed Osun residents including politicians across political divides to stay away from the local government secretariats to protect public properties and avoid further bloodshed.
This was contained in a statement by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed in Osogbo on Monday.
In a reaction to the current illegal APC takeover bid of local governments in Osun state, the Governor affirmed that since the local government workers are on strike, only security agencies should be allowed to man the secretariats.
“I therefore direct all law abiding Osun residents to stay away from the council secretariats especially as they are expected to be under lock and key.
“I equally condole families of victims of the APC illegal takeover bid and chaos unleashed across the state by the APC and their hired thugs. PDP lost five members with several others wounded. Two of those members are from Iragbiji, Boripe local government. Another two were killed at Ola Oluwa Local government. Another one was lost at Ikire. We must stop the bloodshed”, the Governor lamented.
He assured residents of their safety and protection of lives and properties, affirming that he has directed security agencies to take charge of all local government secretariats.
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