Despite a directive from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), instructing the Osun State Government to halt its planned local government elections, Governor Ademola Adeleke has insisted that the elections will proceed as scheduled.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law, stating that Osun remains a peaceful state. “Election is going to hold, and the outcome will be a fast-tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful,” he declared.

The AGF noted that his directive follows the February 10, 2025, ruling of the Court of Appeal (Akure Division) in Appeal No. CA/AK/272/2022, which nullified a previous Federal High Court judgment that had removed elected local government officials.

According to Fagbemi, the Court of Appeal ruling effectively reinstated the removed officials, whose tenure will legally continue until October 2025.

“The implication of the Court of Appeal judgment is that the elected officials removed by the Federal High Court have been reinstated and are legally occupying their offices,” Fagbemi stated.

The AGF criticized Governor Adeleke’s insistence on holding new elections, warning that conducting fresh polls while the legally reinstated officials are still in office would be unconstitutional.

“Any such election that may be held will not only be invalid since the term of office of the elected officials just restored by the judgment of the Court of Appeal will still be running until October 2025, it will also amount to an egregious breach of the Constitution which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold,” he stated.

Fagbemi also referenced the Supreme Court’s recent decision affirming local government autonomy, reinforcing the stance that the Osun State Government must respect the tenure of the reinstated officials.

“My advice to all parties, including local and national stakeholders, is to abide by democratic norms,” the statement read.

However, Governor Adeleke remains resolute in his decision, arguing that the planned election aligns with democratic principles and will enhance local governance.

This standoff between the state and federal government underscores a significant constitutional debate over the autonomy of local governments and the authority of state governors in managing electoral processes within their domains.