Voting in the Osun State local government election began on Saturday morning as scheduled, despite prior controversy. The exercise started in several local governments at 8 a.m., including in Ede North Local Government Area, where Governor Ademola Adeleke cast his vote.
After voting, Governor Adeleke described the process as peaceful and urged the people of Osun State to participate calmly. Voters were seen casting their ballots at various polling units as the election proceeded smoothly.
Before the election, both the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, and the Nigeria Police Force had called for the suspension of the exercise. The AGF’s request was based on a controversial Court of Appeal ruling, which allegedly reinstated the local government chairmen and councillors who had been previously dismissed.
According to the AGF, the Court of Appeal in Akure, on February 10, 2025, overturned the Federal High Court’s judgment in Osogbo from November 25, 2022, which had sacked the All Progressives Congress (APC) local council chairmen. The AGF argued that the appellate court’s decision meant the sacked officials were restored.
Meanwhile, the Police raised concerns about security, citing credible intelligence suggesting a high likelihood of violence if the elections proceeded. A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that various groups, including political factions, were reportedly organizing to create unrest and disrupt public peace.
Despite these warnings, the Osun State government maintained its stance to proceed with the election, citing the need to comply with a court order that mandated the elections be held.
