Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has reaffirmed that the local government election scheduled for Saturday will proceed as planned, despite opposition from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
On Thursday, Fagbemi advised Adeleke to halt the election, urging him to respect the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Akure. The ruling had restored the All Progressives Congress local government chairmen and councillors who were removed in 2022 by the Federal High Court in Osogbo.
However, in a statement issued on Friday in Osogbo by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke reiterated his stance while receiving a delegation from the Civil Society Coalition.
According to the governor, democracy is rooted in the rule of law, and no individual or institution has the authority to override judicial processes.
“As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help. The election is going to hold, and the outcome will fast-track development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is truly a peaceful state,” he said.
Adeleke also noted that the delegates were in the state to observe the local government elections, expressing confidence in the level of preparation by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission.
He assured that the electorate were eager to exercise their voting rights, and the state electoral body had made commendable arrangements for the election.
“I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are prepared to choose their chairmen and councillors tomorrow. The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission has also done a marvellous preparatory job, according to reports at my disposal.
“Other political parties will participate in the election, and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity at the poll,” Adeleke added.
