OSUN LG: GOVERNOR ADELEKE SPEAKS ON OSUN VIOLENCE, ORDERS LOCKDOWN OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIATS

OSUN LG: GOVERNOR ADELEKE SPEAKS ON OSUN VIOLENCE, ORDERS LOCKDOWN OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIATS

By Olamilekan Adeyemi 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has responded to the violent clashes in the state, ordering the lockdown of all local government secretariats and calling for calm among residents.

The directive follows a bloody confrontation between political factions, reportedly triggered by an attempted takeover of council secretariats by sacked local government chairmen and councillors from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Five Killed, Several Injured in Political Violence

Governor Adeleke, in a statement, confirmed that five members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost their lives during the fracas, while others sustained injuries. The casualties included two victims from Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government, two from Ola Oluwa Local Government, and one from Ikire.

The violence erupted as the dismissed APC local government executives, who were removed from office in 2022, allegedly attempted to forcefully reclaim their positions. The move led to a violent confrontation with supporters of the ruling PDP, resulting in gunfire and chaos in multiple locations across the state.

Security Agencies Ordered to Take Over Council Secretariats

To prevent further escalation, Adeleke directed security agencies to take control of all local government secretariats. He also urged residents, politicians, and stakeholders to avoid the council offices until peace is fully restored.

Furthermore, the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has withdrawn its services, effectively shutting down all secretariats.

Governor Accuses Former Governor Oyetola of Instigating Violence

Governor Adeleke accused his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola, of orchestrating the crisis in an attempt to destabilize the state. He claimed that Oyetola issued unlawful directives to security operatives, which contributed to the breakdown of law and order. Adeleke called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent further political violence in Osun.

Call for Peace and Stability

Governor Adeleke urged all residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that security forces are working to maintain order. He also mourned the victims of the crisis, offering condolences to their families and promising that the government will take necessary steps to prevent a recurrence.

With tensions still high, security operatives remain on high alert to prevent further bloodshed in Osun State.