Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued directives following the deadly violence that erupted in local government (LG) secretariats across the state.
He confirmed that five members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were killed during the crisis, while several others were injured.
The violence escalated on Monday when loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC) attempted to reinstate its local government chairmen, who were removed by a court ruling in 2022. Following opposition by supporters of the PDP, chaos erupted. The reinstated chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Mr. Remi Abass, has reportedly died in the crisis.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has accused the APC of trying to take over the local governments illegally.
“PDP lost five members with several others wounded,” Governor Adeleke said in a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
“Two were killed in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government. Another two died in Ola Oluwa Local Government, and one was killed in Ikire. This bloodshed must stop.”
The governor also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, blaming the APC and its supporters for the chaos. He called the violence an “illegal takeover bid” and accused the APC of using thugs to create disorder across the state.
To prevent further violence, Governor Adeleke has instructed all residents, including politicians, to stay away from the local government secretariats.
“Governor Adeleke has directed all Osun residents to avoid the LG secretariats to prevent more violence and protect public property,” the statement said. “Since the local government workers are on strike, security agencies will take full control of the secretariats.”
The crisis comes just a day after Governor Adeleke accused his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola, now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, of using his family ties with President Bola Tinubu to create instability in Osun’s local government areas.
