After a careful and thorough reading of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in suit number CTC 15-2025, concerning the lingering tussle over the administration of Local Government Councils in Osun State, I find it imperative, as a citizen and public advocate, to make this humble submission.
Our state, Osun, belongs to us all, regardless of political affiliations. When matters of law, order, and public peace are at stake, silence becomes an endorsement of disorder. It is therefore a duty for well-meaning citizens to lend their voice when the stability and future of our dear state hang in the balance.
The Judgment in Clear Terms
The Court of Appeal, in its well-considered judgment, reaffirmed what lovers of constitutional democracy have long held: no individual, group, or political party is above the law. The judgment struck down the local government elections conducted by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) on 15th October 2022 under the former APC-led administration, declaring them illegal, unconstitutional, and void for breaching clear provisions of the 1999 Constitution and Osun State Electoral Law (pages 27-29).
By implication, the purported chairmen and councilors produced by that exercise ceased to hold any legal status or authority. The Court categorically nullified their positions and declared their occupation of local government offices unlawful (page 31).
Furthermore, the Court upheld the constitutional right of the incumbent Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to dissolve those illegal councils and lawfully appoint Caretaker Committees pending properly conducted elections (pages 32-34).
Most importantly, the Court expressly condemned the actions of some APC members and their supporters, who have continued to forcefully occupy Local Government Secretariats or instigate protests under the guise of reclaiming non existent mandates. The Court described such acts as a breach of public peace and defiance of lawful authority (pages 35-36).
Why This Matters to Osun State
This judgment is more than a political win for any party, it is a victory for the rule of law, democratic values, and public order in Osun State. It sets a precedent that no process outside constitutional provisions will be tolerated, and that governance at the grassroots must reflect legality and due process.
It gives the current PDP led administration the constitutional authority to sanitize the local government system and paves the way for credible and lawful local elections, conducted in line with both the Constitution and the Electoral Act (page 36).
A Call for Restraint and Civic Maturity
I therefore appeal to members and supporters of the APC to respect this judgment, sheath their swords, and allow the wheel of justice and governance to turn without disturbance. Political contest is welcome in a democracy, but it must never be at the expense of public order, peace, and the dignity of our institutions.
It is important that our Local Government Secretariats, being the closest government to the people, are spared from needless political violence and unlawful occupation. Osun deserves peace, and no party’s ambition should supersede the law.
In Conclusion
This submission is made, not as a partisan commentary, but as a conscious civic intervention borne out of a duty to speak up when it matters. As citizens, we owe it to Osun State to uphold the values of peace, order, and justice. The Court has spoken unequivocally; it is time for all parties to abide by it.
Thank you for reading. May God bless Osun State and guide her leaders right.
Comr. Pelumi Aderanti, ADR
Public Enlightenment Advocate | Civic Mediator | Osun State Citizen