Osun LG Crisis Turns Deadly: Six Killed as Governor Shuts Down Councils

The leadership crisis in Osun State’s local government councils took a violent turn on Monday, resulting in the deaths of six people, including a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Remi Abass.

State Commissioner for Information, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, confirmed that five members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were also killed during the clashes. In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered the immediate shutdown of all local government councils to prevent further violence. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had earlier directed local government workers to withdraw their services for safety reasons.

The crisis erupted following an attempt by local government chairmen and councilors elected during former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s administration to resume office after a Court of Appeal ruling in Akure on February 10, 2025, overturned an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court in Osogbo that had removed them from office.

However, the state government insists they cannot return to power due to another existing Federal High Court ruling in Osogbo, which upheld their removal in a separate suit filed by the Action Peoples Party (APP).

Governor Adeleke, alongside Attorney General Jimi Baba and Commissioner for Information Alimi, reiterated that the sacked local government officials remain dismissed despite the appellate court's ruling.

On the other hand, APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal and the party’s legal adviser, Adegoke Ogunsola, argue that the Court of Appeal ruling reinstated the chairmen and councilors, affirming their legitimacy.

Efforts to reach Osun State Police Public Relations Officer Yemisi Opalola for comments were unsuccessful.