Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed recent calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
Governor Adeleke described the call as a politically motivated move aimed at creating instability rather than addressing any genuine security concern.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed in Osogbo on Saturday, Governor Adeleke said the demand, reportedly made by unnamed civil society groups, was part of a renewed attempt by opposition figures to undermine democratic governance in Osun.
“The call did not arise from prevailing realities on ground but was instead linked to lingering political disputes, particularly surrounding the management and control of local government councils,” Adeleke said.
The statement accused leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, of orchestrating actions capable of provoking tension at the grassroots level.
It alleged that the opposition had previously paralysed local government administration through forceful occupation of council secretariats and interference with statutory funds meant for grassroots development.
The governor claimed that such actions were calculated to trigger unrest and then attribute the resulting situation to the current administration, thereby justifying external intervention.
Despite these challenges, the Adeleke-led administration maintained that peace had largely been preserved across the state through what it described as restraint, adherence to the rule of law, and continuous engagement with security agencies.
“The call for a state of emergency is not supported by facts or law. Osun remains peaceful, and the government is firmly in control of the security situation.”
The statement argued that accusations were misplaced, insisting that the local government crisis stemmed from the refusal of certain officials to vacate office after the expiration of their tenure.
The governor also pointed to alleged attempts by former local government officials to extend their tenure unilaterally, describing such moves as illegal and contrary to existing statutes.
On the issue of local government finances, the administration accused opposition figures of blocking access to council funds, forcing the state government to intervene to ensure workers’ salaries were paid.
“While local government workers were abandoned, the state stepped in to fulfil its obligations and prevent hardship,” he said.
The statement said Governor Adeleke had continued to receive commendations for his handling of the situation, particularly his reliance on lawful processes rather than force.
Warning against further attempts to incite violence, the statement said security agencies have been placed on alert to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“I have directed the Commissioner of Police to closely monitor developments and stop any plot to plunge the state into conflict,” Adeleke disclosed.
Governor Adeleke also appealed to the President and the Inspector-General of Police to take note of developments in Osun, stressing that political ambition must be pursued through the ballot and not through backdoor or unconstitutional means.
Two civil society groups in Osun State, Initiative for Local Government Development and Centre for Justice and Community Advocacy had on Friday in Osogbo called on President Bola Tinubu to consider a state of emergency in Osun State over what it described as continued disregard for court orders on local government administration.
Reading the address, spokespersons of the groups, Comrade Juliet Kanyinsola Adebayo, Faith Ayomide Adeniyi and Opeyemi Amusan accused the state government of disobedience to lawful orders of the court over local government matter.
Justifying its call for a state of emergency, the group said the ongoing impasse, loss of lives and looming crisis are reasons behind the call.
