By Newspot Nigeria Editorial Desk
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has made a direct appeal to his predecessor, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, urging him to “allow Osun State to breathe” amid the lingering crisis surrounding local government administration in the state.
The governor made the statement during a statewide broadcast on Monday, as tensions continue over the occupation of local government secretariats and the broader political disagreement surrounding council leadership in the state.
According to Governor Adeleke, the prolonged dispute has disrupted grassroots governance, stalled service delivery, and heightened political tension across Osun communities.
“Former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, please allow Osun State to breathe. Enough is enough,”
the governor declared during the broadcast.
Background to the Dispute
The crisis stems from conflicting interpretations of court rulings relating to the tenure of local government officials elected under the previous administration.
While the All Progressives Congress (APC) maintains that its chairmen were reinstated by a Court of Appeal judgment, the Adeleke-led government insists that subsequent legal developments nullified their return, describing the continued occupation of council secretariats as illegal.
Governor Adeleke further alleged that federal institutions were being drawn into what he described as a purely state-level democratic matter, warning that such involvement could undermine constitutional order and peace within the state.
Call for Political Restraint
In his address, the governor emphasized the need for political restraint, dialogue, and respect for democratic institutions, stressing that Osun people should not suffer due to prolonged political battles.
He appealed to all stakeholders, including political leaders and security agencies, to prioritize stability and the welfare of citizens over partisan interests.
APC Reacts
The Osun State chapter of the APC has since rejected the governor’s claims, accusing the administration of misinformation and insisting that the February 10, 2025 Court of Appeal judgment remains valid.
The party argues that the issue is strictly legal and not political, maintaining that the rule of law must be respected.
Tensions Remain
Despite calls for calm, the disagreement continues to generate strong political reactions across the state, with civil society groups and residents urging all parties to pursue resolution through lawful and peaceful means.
As Osun navigates the standoff, many observers warn that prolonged uncertainty at the local government level could deepen governance gaps and affect development at the grassroots.
Newspot Nigeria will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as the situation evolves.
— Newspot Nigeria
