Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has declared Osun State's planned local government election illegal, citing a Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated previously elected officials. He urged Governor Adeleke to halt the vote, warning that the proceeding would violate the constitution and cause unnecessary political tension.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has advised the Osun State government to suspend its planned local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025. He argued that any such election would be legally invalid, given the recent Court of Appeal ruling.
In a statement released on Thursday, Fagbemi clarified that the appellate court’s decision had effectively restored the previously elected local government officials, who were removed following a Federal High Court ruling in November 2022. He emphasized that Governor Ademola Adeleke should abide by the judgment and allow the reinstated officials to complete their tenure, which runs until October 2025.
The AGF noted that before Adeleke’s swearing-in, the Federal High Court nullified the local government elections conducted under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. However, the Appeal Court overturned that decision on February 10, 2025, rendering the previous dissolution void.
Fagbemi accused certain elements of resisting the reinstatement of the elected officials, leading to unrest in the state. He urged Governor Adeleke to maintain law and order, rather than instigate further political tension.
He also advised the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to halt its election plans, warning that proceeding would be an unconstitutional act. The AGF reiterated his office’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the state government to ensure peace and adherence to legal processes.
Governor Adeleke has yet to respond to the AGF’s statement.
