The controversy surrounding the leadership of local government councils in Osun State intensified on Saturday, as both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) offered conflicting interpretations of a recent Court of Appeal ruling.
The dispute stems from a judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in Akure on Friday, which dismissed an application by the APC to relist a previously struck-out appeal.
The appeal had challenged the ruling that nullified the October 15, 2022, local government elections conducted under the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Justice Peter Obiorah, who delivered the ruling virtually, maintained that the application lacked merit, stating that relisting the appeal could result in judicial confusion. He upheld the earlier decision of the appellate court which had, on January 13, 2025, struck out the APC’s appeal for want of diligent prosecution.
The original suit was instituted by the All Peoples Party (APP) against the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), challenging the legality of the 2022 local government elections, which were contested solely by APC candidates.
Following the nullification of the elections by the Federal High Court in Osogbo, the APC sought to appeal the decision, a move that ultimately faltered due to procedural lapses.
Despite the ruling, both political camps have claimed victory and legitimacy.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), comprising chairmen elected in the October 15, 2022 polls, insisted that the court's decision did not reinstate PDP chairmen.
The group, led by Abiodun Idowu, argued that the judgment merely reaffirmed an earlier ruling of February 10, 2025, which they claim restored them to office.
“As the legally elected leaders of the 30 local governments and the area office in Osun State, we assure the public that there is no vacancy in local government administration,” the statement read.
“The ruling of the Court of Appeal only underscores the strength of the February 10 judgment that reinstated us. Any contrary narrative being peddled by the PDP should be disregarded.”
ALGON further stated that its members would continue to carry out their duties across the state, adding that security agencies had been notified to ensure protection at council secretariats.
In contrast, a rival faction of ALGON, aligned with the PDP and led by Sarafadeen Awotunde, maintained that the appellate court ruling had conclusively resolved the dispute in their favour.
Awotunde’s group, consisting of chairmen elected in the February 21, 2025, elections conducted under Governor Ademola Adeleke, argued that the ruling validated the nullification of the 2022 polls.
“The June 13 judgment by the Court of Appeal reaffirms the invalidity of the October 15, 2022 elections,” Awotunde said in a statement. “We call on the APC and their so-called chairmen to accept the ruling and respect the rule of law. The people of Osun deserve peace and stability at the grassroots.”
He further congratulated Governor Adeleke for maintaining calm despite provocations, urging all parties to avoid actions that could disrupt public order.
As both sides dig in, the legal and political uncertainty surrounding grassroots governance in Osun State remains unresolved.
The competing claims of legitimacy now place additional strain on the state's fragile political climate, with observers calling for a definitive legal resolution and restraint from all stakeholders.