Osun State House of Assembly has cried out that Democracy is under threat in the state, as it appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene urgently to prevent the state from sliding into further chaos.
It made the passionate appeal through the Speaker, Rt. Hon Adewale Egbedun, who lamented the turn of events in the state of the living springs.
Addressing a world press conference at the Assembly complex in Osogbo on Wednesday, Egbedun, who was visibly unhappy at the escalating crisis which was ignited by the Appeal court judgement on the last council election, appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and prevent the state’s probable descent into further chaos.
He warned against any action that could undermine democracy especially in Osun state.
The Speaker appealed: “Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you are not just the leader of this nation, you are one of us, a son of the South West.
“We call on you to ensure that democracy is not trampled upon in your own political stronghold.
“This level of political lawlessness should not be happening in the South West, and certainly not in Nigeria.
“The South West has always been a model of political stability, governance, and democracy. Allowing such a dangerous precedent to stand in Osun State today will only open the doors for similar acts of impunity across the region and the nation.
“Mr. President, this is a test of leadership. We urge you to intervene immediately to prevent Osun State from descending into chaos.
“Osun State is a state governed by laws, not by chaos. We urge our citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant.
“The Osun State House of Assembly stands firm in its commitment to protecting democracy, ensuring stability, and defending the will of the people.”
In his words, “It is with a deep sense of responsibility that the Osun State House of Assembly addresses the people of our dear state and the global community regarding the recent unlawful developments in our local government administration.”
Egbedun said over the past few days, Osun State has witnessed an unprecedented escalation of political tension, threats to law and order, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
According to him, the crisis arose from a “coordinated, and illegal attempt to forcefully seize control of our local government councils by individuals who have no legal or constitutional right to those offices.”
He said, “Today, members of the opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), forcefully broke into local government secretariats across the state.
“This unlawful invasion is not only a direct attack on our democratic institutions but also a clear violation of the rule of law and a threat to public peace and order.
“Even more disturbing is the fact that security agencies, who are meant to uphold the law, were present while these illegal acts were being carried out.”
He described as unjust, unlawful, and unacceptable the escalating crisis in the state urging the Law enforcement agencies to act and bring those behind it to justice
Egbedun said: “We must never be seen aiding and abetting criminal in the state.
“The Osun State House of Assembly strongly condemns these acts of lawlessness and impunity.
“We want to make it abundantly clear that this state will not succumb to political banditry and unconstitutional actions.
“Every individual found guilty of orchestrating or participating in this lawless takeover will be brought to book and held accountable under the full weight of the law.”
He said the Federal High Court in Osogbo “declared the local government elections conducted on October 15, 2022, as unconstitutional, null, and void due to their violation of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022. (See: ACTION PEOPLES PARTY VS. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION [INEC] SUIT NO. FHC/OS/CS/103/2022.
“Iccidentally an Appeal was immediately filed against this decision
“The Court of Appeal, in its judgment delivered on January 13, 2025, dismissed the appeal against this ruling, upholding the Federal High Court’s decision and confirming that those elected through the illegal process have no legal or constitutional claim to office. (See: Allied Peoples Movement & Ors. Vs. Action Peoples Party & Ors.
CA/AK/226M/2024.)
” Despite this clear and subsisting judgment, members of the APC have resorted to self-help and brute force in an attempt to illegally occupy government offices, thereby instigating violent confrontations that have already led to loss of lives and destruction of property.
“Even more concerning is the active presence of law enforcement officers while these illegal acts were being perpetrated.
” The Nigeria Police was physically present as opposition members forcefully broke into government buildings.
“This is a clear failure of duty and a direct affront to justice and the rule of law. The people of Osun State do not expect law enforcement agencies to stand idly by while criminals violate our laws, let alone actively facilitate such unlawful actions.
” In response to these developments, the Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nuruden Adeleke has issued a directive that all individuals, regardless of political affiliation, must stay clear of the local government secretariats to prevent further crisis and uphold law and order.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has fully complied with this directive because we prioritize peace, stability, and democratic governance over political confrontation.
“We members of Osun State House of Assembly have strongly denounced any form of lawlessness, violence, or forceful occupation of government institutions under any guise.
“We affirmed that the Federal High Court’s judgment remains binding and must be respected by all parties until set aside by a competent court.
“We call on security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to protect government institutions and ensure that those responsible for this act of illegality are prosecute and demand that the Nigeria Police Force uphold its constitutional duty to maintain law and order without bias or compromise.
“We warn all political actors to desist from unconstitutional acts and to pursue their grievances through legitimate legal channels rather than resorting to violence, intimidation, or force.
“The Nigeria Police Force is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives, ensuring peace, and upholding justice.
“However, recent events in Osun State suggest that elements within the force may have compromised their neutrality.
‘We had anticipated that external pressures might attempt to manipulate security agencies in Osun State, but we never expected that such compromises would emerge this early.
“We thought these forces would at least wait until the next gubernatorial election before making their moves, but instead, they have chosen to destabilize our state prematurely.”
The Speaker said the Assembly is aware of the close relationship between Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the former Governor of Osun State and the current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Inspector General of Police.
“However, while personal relationships may exist, the security of Osun State must never be sacrificed on the altar of friendship at the expense of the rule of law.
“No individual, no matter how highly placed, should manipulate security agencies to serve political interests at the expense of peace and stability.
“The police must not allow themselves to become a tool for political subjugation or a shield for those violating the law.”
Egbedun disclosed that it is the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force to serve and protect all Nigerians, not to take sides in political disputes.
“The people of Osun State demand and deserve fairness, impartiality, and professionalism from the security agencies.
“We, therefore, urge the Inspector General of Police to act in the interest of justice and security rather than bowing to undue political influence.
“Osun State cannot and will not be held hostage by personal alliances at the top. The law must stand, and justice must prevail.
“The Inspector General of Police (IGP) must act swiftly and decisively and ensure that all illegal occupants of the local government secretariats are evicted immediately, arrest and prosecute all individuals involved in this unlawful invasion.
“The police must hold accountable any police officers who facilitated or failed to prevent these illegal acts.and restore public confidence in the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force and prevent further escalation of violence and political intimidation.”
The speaker added that “failure to act will only embolden those who seek to undermine our democratic institutions.”
He said that the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, remain sacrosanct.
“We call on all eligible voters in Osun State to come out en-masse and freely exercise their democratic right to vote for their preferred candidates.
“The Osun State House of Assembly assures the people that no amount of intimidation, violence, or political desperation will stop the democratic process.
“We also call on security operatives to carry out their duties professionally, ensuring that voters are safe, polling units are protected, and law and order are maintained before, during, and after the elections.
“We urge all stakeholders, including political parties, electoral officials, and the general public, to respect the democratic process and uphold the integrity of the elections.
“Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you are not just the leader of this nation, you are one of us, a son of the South West.
“We call on you to ensure that democracy is not trampled upon in your own political stronghold.
“This level of political lawlessness should not be happening in the South West, and certainly not in Nigeria.
” The South West has always been a model of political stability, governance, and democracy. Allowing such a dangerous precedent to stand in Osun State today will only open the doors for similar acts of impunity across the region and the nation.
“Mr. President, this is a test of leadership. We urge you to intervene immediately to prevent Osun State from descending into chaos.
“Osun State is a state governed by laws, not by chaos. We urge our citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant.
“The Osun State House of Assembly stands firm in its commitment to protecting democracy, ensuring stability, and defending the will of the people.”
Egbedun expressed deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this senseless violence adding that their death will not be in vain as Justice must and will prevail.
