Peaceful Voting Reported in Osun LG Polls, Despite Legal Disputes and Party Withdrawals

Governor Ademola Adeleke

The Osun State local government elections is taking place today February 22, 2025, following a High Court order in Ilesa that mandated the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to conduct the polls. This decision came despite calls from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who argued that holding these elections would not be lawful due to ongoing legal disputes.

Justice A.A. Aderibigbe's ruling recognized vacancies across all 30 local government areas and directed OSSIEC to fill them through democratic processes. The court also ordered security agencies to ensure peace during the elections. The Osun State Attorney General, Hon Wole Jimi Bada Esq., emphasized compliance with this court order during a press briefing at the Government House: "The judgment is explicit enough and I call on all stakeholders to participate in the elections. We must remain peaceful as we exercise our voting rights in compliance with the court rulings."

However, some parties withdrew from participating in the elections. The APC withdrew due to a Court of Appeal judgment that they interpreted as reinstating their previously sacked local government officials, making the election unnecessary in their view. While the Labour Party cited poor preparation by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) as the reason for their withdrawal.

Governor Ademola Adeleke participated in these elections by casting his vote at Unit 9, Sagba Abogunde Ward in Ede North Local Government Area. He described the process as peaceful and encouraged citizens to vote calmly.