27th February 2025
The Osun State Government has refuted claims that it is coercing local government officials to alter account signatories amid the ongoing political tussle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over council control.
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Chairman in Osun, Adewale Adebayo, alleged that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration was pressuring Finance Directors and Heads of Local Administration (HLAs) to change council account signatories. He claimed that 30 finance officers were being taken to an undisclosed location and forced to comply.
“These officials are reportedly held against their will, undermining democracy and the rule of law,” Adebayo said.
However, Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, dismissed the allegations as baseless.
“This is mere speculation. The Commissioner for Local Government has confirmed no such directive was given. They are trying to create a false narrative,” Alimi stated.
Meanwhile, Osun APC has urged local government workers to return to their duty posts, emphasizing neutrality in the ongoing crisis. Former Special Adviser on Education, Jamiu Olawumi, said reinstated local government chairmen had given workers a 72-hour ultimatum to resume.
However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Osun Chapter rejected the ultimatum, with its Chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, stating that workers would only return when their security was assured.
An Osun-based civil society group, The Osun Masterminds, has urged all parties to seek legal resolution.
“All parties must return to court for clarification and respect the court’s decision to prevent further crisis,” said the group’s Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli.
He warned that if the crisis persists, it could destabilize Osun ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election and called for a peaceful resolution.
