By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP)!, Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to take immediate action to restore peace and normalcy across all local governments in Osun State.
The House also resolved to establish an ad-hoc committee to investigate the ongoing political crisis in the state.
This resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance titled “Need to Maintain Peace, Order, and Rule of Law in Osun State in View of the Recent Happenings Which Have Led to the Death of Six Persons and Injuries to Scores of Others.”
The motion was sponsored by Rep. Bamidele Salam (Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency) and co-sponsored by eight other lawmakers from Osun State during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Rep. Salam highlighted that on Monday, February 17, 2025, violence erupted in multiple parts of Osun State due to an attempt by officials, who were removed by a court ruling in November 2022, to reclaim control of local government administrations.
The lawmakers expressed deep concern that the sacked officials had forcefully broken into local government secretariats to seize power without a valid court order.
Rep. Salam noted that Osun State Governor, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, had raised an alarm on Sunday, February 16, warning of an imminent threat to peace and calling on security agencies to take preventive measures.
He emphasised that allowing political actors to resort to self-help could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging citizens to take matters into their own hands in response to perceived injustices.
Rep. Salam warned that the crisis could escalate if urgent steps were not taken. He lamented that the violence had already resulted in six deaths, with many others sustaining severe injuries and currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.
The House reaffirmed that the security and welfare of citizens remain the primary responsibility of any government, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution. It also emphasized the duty of lawmakers to ensure the protection of lives and property across the country.
Expressing confidence in the ability of security agencies to restore calm in Osun, the House further urged the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene and provide legal guidance to ease tensions.
As a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in the crisis, the House observed a minute of silence before unanimously adopting the motion through a voice vote.