Governor Ademola Adeleke has insisted the local government election slated for Saturday would be held.

On Thursday, the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, advised Mr Adeleke not to proceed with the election.

Mr Fagbemi urged Mr Adeleke to respect the Court of Appeal’s judgement in Akure, which restored the All Progressives Congress local government chairmen and councillors sacked in 2022 by the Federal High Court, Osogbo Division.

In a statement on Friday, Mr Adeleke made this claim while hosting a Civil Society Coalition delegation.

According to the governor, democracy is governed by the rule of law, and nobody can assume the court’s authority.

He advised all parties, including local and national stakeholders, to abide by democratic norms.

“As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help.

“The election is going to be held, and the outcome will fast-track development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is truly a peaceful state,” he said.

The governor, who said the delegates were in the state to monitor the local government poll, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation by the state electoral body.

According to him, the electorate is prepared to exercise their voting rights on Saturday.

“I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are prepared to choose their chairmen and councillors tomorrow.

“The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has also done a marvellous preparatory job, according to reports at my disposal.

“Other political parties will participate in the election, and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity at the poll,” he said.