The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned of a potential crisis following alleged plans by the state government to install newly elected local government officials across council secretariats in the state.
Speaking to journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, former Osun State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Sunday Akere, claimed that the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke was relying on a court order to facilitate the takeover. Akere was joined by former State Assembly member Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, ex-Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Adebayo Adeleke, and former Special Adviser Jamiu Olawumi.
According to Akere, the government is allegedly seeking an order of mandamus from an Osun State High Court in Ikirun on April 17, 2025, which could allow officials elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 21 local government polls to assume office.
He claimed this would displace APC officials who had earlier been reinstated by the court.
Akere further alleged that the enforcement of the court order could involve members of the Amotekun Corps and hired thugs, warning that such a move might lead to widespread unrest across the state.
In response, Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson for Governor Adeleke, dismissed the allegations as blackmail. He accused the APC of fearing the legal consequences of what he described as its illegal occupation of council offices.
Rasheed pointed out that the APC is currently involved in three legal cases regarding its continued presence in the local government secretariats.
He said the PDP-elected officials and the state chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees are among those seeking redress in court.
A third case, he added, was filed by the All Peoples Party, accusing the APC of contempt for ignoring a prior court ruling that nullified its October 15, 2022, LG elections.
He also denied claims that Governor Adeleke was orchestrating a legal plot, insisting that the governor had instructed PDP officials to respect the law and avoid violence.
Despite this, Akere reiterated that any attempt to forcefully install the PDP chairmen could destabilize the state.
He alleged a “judicial coup” was being planned, where PDP officials would enter council offices with court orders and backing from security and government-aligned individuals.
Akere also revealed that the APC had filed a petition with the National Judicial Council, accusing the Adeleke administration of encouraging judicial misconduct.
Rasheed, in his rebuttal, maintained that the APC’s warnings were an attempt to justify a “court-sacked” tenure and warned the party against inciting unrest.
He urged the opposition to focus on its legal defense and stop dragging the governor into what he described as “self-inflicted” legal and political issues.