Reinstated local government chairmen and councillors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have accused the Osun State Government of deliberately creating tension around the local government councils through what they described as a misinterpretation of a recent Federal High Court judgment.
The allegation was made on Friday during a press conference held I Osogbo, by members of the Osun State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and concerned APC members.
Addressing journalists, Barrister Adegoke Ogunsola said the controversy followed the June 15 judgment of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, which dismissed a suit filed by the APC chairmen and councillors seeking clarification on the commencement date of their tenure.
He alleged that the state government had since embarked on actions capable of causing public disturbance by presenting the judgment as validation of the February 22, 2025 local government election conducted in the state.
Ogunsola also faulted calls by the state government for security agencies to provide protection for individuals it described as elected local government officials, warning that such actions could generate avoidable tension across the state.
According to him, the judgment remains subject to an appeal already filed by the APC chairmen and councillors, alongside an application for stay of execution which, he said, had been served on relevant parties, including the police.
He maintained that the individuals laying claim to local government offices were not parties to the suit and that no court order granted them any relief or authority to assume control of the councils.
The APC stakeholders further argued that the police were aware of the pending appeal and application for stay of execution, insisting that any attempt to enforce the judgment before the appellate court determines the matter could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
Ogunsola said issues surrounding the legality of the February 2025 local government election and the subsequent swearing-in of officials had already been placed before the Court of Appeal for determination.
He noted that the Federal High Court held that the tenure of the APC chairmen and councillors expired in October 2025, regardless of interruptions experienced during their time in office, adding that the ruling did not grant any order in favour of those claiming to be elected council officials.
The APC leaders argued that the pending appeal process should be allowed to run its course, stressing that the right of appeal is guaranteed by the Constitution and should not be undermined by premature enforcement actions.
They advised residents of the state to remain peaceful and continue their lawful activities, alleging that attempts were being made to create confusion over the interpretation of the court judgment.
The group also warned that any breakdown of law and order arising from the situation should be blamed on the state government, which they accused of spreading misinformation about the implications of the judgment.
The APC stakeholders, however, commended security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for what they described as professionalism in handling the situation.
