Governor Ademola Adeleke says he will pursue legal means as a form of peaceful resolution to the ongoing local government crisis in Osun.

Mr Adeleke, however, hailed the judgement delivered by the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, which he said reaffirmed the legality of the Peoples Democratic Party’s LGA chairpersons and councillors, as stated in a statement by Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson for the governor.

According to the governor, the latest court judgment has put an end to the lies about the reinstatement of the All Progressives Congress chairperson and councillors.

“The APC chairmen and councillors were sacked by the court, which has affirmed the legitimacy of the PDP chairmen and councillors. Unlike the opposition, we are people of due process.

“The latest judgement is being served on all relevant stakeholders at the state and national level. Our expectation is a quick restoration of normalcy in line with the law.

“I appreciate the deep love for peace and unity as demonstrated by the PDP chairmen and councillors of the 30 local governments and area councils since their swearing-in. Your patience and support for the law have paid off,” he said.

The governor commended the security agencies for their commitment to the law, as well as to maintaining peace and tranquillity in Osun. Mr Adeleke also commended residents in the state for their patience and commitment and urged them to remain peaceful in their conduct.

“Evil plots against our dear state on all fronts have been foiled. We must continue to remain peaceful and never allow agents of violence and enemies of the people to drag the state into violence and backwardness,” he said.

On June 13, the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, dismissed an application by the APC. The application sought to relist an earlier appeal that was struck out on January 13 for lack of diligent prosecution.

The state government said that the Court of Appeal ruling affirmed the Federal High Court judgement that sacked the council chairpersons and councillors elected in 2022.

However, APC maintained that the ruling did not nullify the election.

The case originated from a suit filed by the All Peoples Party against the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission at the Federal High Court.

The suit challenged the legality of the October 15, 2022, local government election, which featured only candidates from the APC.

APC, which later joined the matter at the Federal High Court, appealed the judgment after the lower court nullified the election.

However, the appeal was struck out on January 13 due to the APC’s lack of diligent prosecution.

APC’s attempt to have the case relisted was also dismissed by the Court of Appeal on June 13. 

(NAN)