By Gloria Ikibah

The Osun State Caucus in the 10th National Assembly  has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the escalating political crisis in the state.

The caucus also urged the President to direct the National Security Adviser and Inspector General of Police to restore peace immediately.

Naijablitznews.com reports that crisis which started on Monday 17th February, stems from conflicting interpretations of a Court of Appeal judgment regarding the sacking of elected local government chairmen in the state.

The court nullified an earlier judgment that sacked the chairmen but did not order their reinstatement. Despite this, the ousted officials, backed by the APC, forcefully reclaimed council offices, sparking violence across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the caucus at a press conference in Abuja on Monday,  Rep. Bamidele Salam, member representing Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo federal constituency in the House, accused the APC of using thugs and security agents to seize local government offices illegally. He warned that the situation could spiral into full-scale violence if not addressed swiftly.

He urged the President to advise the APC leadership in Osun to abandon what he termed “an illegal and futile mission”.

Salam argued that the ruling did not grant the APC-backed officials any legal right to reclaim their offices.

“Aside from the Appeal Court decision nullifying the High Court judgment in the PDP’s case, the appellate court also dismissed a similar suit filed by the APC concerning the Action Peoples Party. The APC had abandoned the case, and as such, no ruling was given in their favor,” he said.

Despite this, he alleged that the former council chairmen, whose election was previously nullified, had forcefully reoccupied the councils.

According to him, this move, rather than being legally justified, was a desperate attempt to take control of the councils even though the APC has already chosen to participate in fresh local government elections scheduled for February 22, 2025.

The caucus further alleged that the forceful takeover of the local government secretariats had led to violent clashes across the state.

“PDP members and local government workers in several councils—including Isokan, Boripe, Boluwaduro, Ayedaade, and Ilesa—were reportedly attacked, with security agents allegedly aiding some of the aggressors”, he added.

Salam expressed concern that the situation could escalate into full-blown anarchy, as law and order had already begun to break down in various parts of the state.

“What we are seeing now is a direct invitation to chaos. Political thugs, emboldened by certain forces, are attempting to take the law into their own hands, and if this is not curtailed immediately, Osun State will descend into crisis,.

“Reports indicate that on Monday, several people were injured in different local government areas as clashes erupted between APC and PDP supporters. The affected councils include Ayedaade, Boripe, Osogbo, Olorunda, Ila, Isokan, Irewole, Obokun, and Atakumosa” he added.

The caucus also alleged that at Boripe Local Government, PDP members holding a meeting were attacked by a group that included armed policemen and political thugs.

“At Boluwaduro Local Government, a notorious thug known for his allegiance to the APC allegedly led assaults on PDP members, shooting sporadically across major towns in the area,” Salam said.

He further alleged that at Ayedaade Local Government, an APC-affiliated group shot a PDP member dead, leaving several others wounded.

At Ilesa East, he said that PDP supporters were attacked with machetes in a brutal attempt to seize control of the local government secretariat.

The caucus alleged the complicity of security agencies in the forceful takeover of local government offices. Salam accused security personnel of taking sides in the political crisis, enabling the violent invasion of council offices.

“There is clear evidence that these illegal activities are being carried out with the support of some security personnel.

“Despite a subsisting court judgment affirming their removal, these officials, aided by thugs, have been allowed to return to office unlawfully. The role of security agencies in this unlawful occupation raises serious questions about their neutrality and commitment to upholding law and order,” he said.

Salam alleged that the Minister of Blue and Marine Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of masterminding the takeover of the local government secretariats across the state in connivance with security agencies.

The caucus reaffirmed its support for the Osun State Government, which is led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, stating that the ongoing local government election process should be allowed to proceed without unlawful interference.

The caucus maintained that the removal of the previous council chairmen was legally justified, as their election was conducted in violation of the 2022 Electoral Act.

“It is baffling that the same APC which has purchased forms, conducted primaries, and actively campaigned for the upcoming local government elections is now attempting to forcefully reinstate its sacked officials. This contradiction underscores the lawlessness of their actions,” Salam said.

“We want to make it clear that as representatives of the people, we stand firmly by the Osun State Government in defense of democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

Members of the Osun caucus include Sen. Akogun Olalere Oyewumi (Deputy Senate Minority Leader), Sen. Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, Sen. Olubiyi Fadeyi Ajagunnla, Bamidele Salam (Osun House of Reps Caucus Leader), Busayo Oluwole Oke, Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro, Clement Akanni Olohunwa, Soji Adetunji,  Adebayo Morufu Adewale, Mudashiru Lukman, Lanre Oladebo and Sanya Omirin.