The Osun State local government elections commenced on schedule despite opposition from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, and the Nigeria Police Force, both of whom had urged the state government to suspend the exercise.
Voting began as early as 8 a.m. in several local government areas, including Ede North, where Governor Ademola Adeleke cast his vote. The governor described the election as peaceful and encouraged residents to participate calmly. Reports from polling units indicated that voters turned out to exercise their franchise without major disruptions.
The AGF had called for the suspension of the elections following a controversial Court of Appeal judgment that allegedly reinstated local government chairmen and councillors who had previously been removed from office. According to Fagbemi, the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal, on February 10, 2025, overturned the November 25, 2022, ruling of the Federal High Court in Osogbo, effectively restoring the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government officials who had been sacked by the lower court.
The Nigeria Police also cited security concerns as a reason for urging the election’s suspension. A statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that intelligence reports pointed to a potential outbreak of violence. According to the police, various groups, including political elements and other interests, were allegedly mobilizing to disrupt the process and threaten public peace.
Despite these warnings, the Osun State government defended its decision to proceed with the elections, stating that it was following a court directive mandating the polls to hold.
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