Tensions flared in Osun State on Monday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) and the state police command over what it described as a plot by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to forcefully take over local government secretariats.
In the petition dated June 16, 2025, APC State Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, through the party’s Legal Adviser Adegoke Ogunsola, accused PDP of recruiting armed thugs to attack council officials loyal to the opposition.
He named PDP State Chairman Sunday Bisi, Commissioner for Information Kolapo Alimi, OSIEC Chairman Hassim Abioye, and the Governor’s spokesperson Olawale Rasheed as being involved in the alleged plot.
Lawal cited previous violence, including the February 17 killing of Remi Abass, a former Irewole LG chairman, which he said was carried out by sponsored attackers.
He urged security agencies to investigate and deploy measures to protect APC members, council officials, and public property across all local government areas.
Reacting to the allegations, PDP spokesperson Oladele Bamiji dismissed them as baseless.
He accused the APC of attempting to provoke unrest as a pretext to push for emergency rule in the state.
“They are the ones orchestrating tension. One of their governorship hopefuls even called for emergency rule on national TV,” Bamiji said.
He added that Governor Ademola Adeleke had instructed PDP-elected chairmen from the February 22 local government election to steer clear of the secretariats to avoid conflict, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to peace.
“Our governor has chosen the legal path to avoid bloodshed.
The APC is simply afraid of its own past actions. We’re not mobilizing thugs. We won’t allow loss of life or property under this government,” Bamiji said.
He further stated that the public could judge the PDP’s peaceful posture for themselves, noting that Governor Adeleke had warned against any confrontation and maintained the party’s stance against violence.
Meanwhile, security was visibly tightened at local government secretariats across the state on Monday.
Police were seen stationed at entrances to council offices, including Osogbo and Olorunda LGs, amid growing tension following Friday’s judgment by the Justice Peter Obiorah-led panel.
Some PDP members have signaled readiness to resume duties at secretariats currently occupied by APC-aligned chairmen, further heightening anxiety across the state.