The crisis in Osun State over local government control has escalated dramatically, resulting in at least eight fatalities and numerous injuries as clashes erupted between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This violence stems from a recent Court of Appeal ruling that purportedly reinstated APC-elected officials who had been removed in 2022. However, the state government disputes this claim, asserting that the officials remain ousted due to a Federal High Court decision.
Reports indicate that violence broke out when APC officials attempted to reclaim local government secretariats, leading to armed confrontations with PDP supporters. Among the deceased is Remi Abass, a former council chairperson. The clashes have heightened tensions across the state, with fears of further escalation.
Amidst the political tensions, labour unions have taken action. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) have declared strikes, instructing their members to withdraw from local government offices for safety reasons.
Meanwhile, the APC has called for a state of emergency in Osun State, a request that the state government has rejected, accusing the APC of inciting violence.
In response to the unrest, Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered security forces to take control of local government areas to prevent further violence. He has also called for calm and emphasized the need for peace and safety among residents.
Comments