In a press conference held today at the Osun State House of Assembly Complex, Speaker Adewale Egbedun addressed the public regarding the recent illegal invasion of local government secretariats across Osun State by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His statement emphasized a strong condemnation of these actions as “lawlessness” and a direct threat to the foundations of democracy.
Speaking to a gathering of citizens, journalists, and state officials, Egbedun detailed how APC members forcibly broke into local government offices, ambiguously infringing upon established legal protocols. He highlighted the unprecedented escalation of political tension and threats to public order caused by these unlawful acts, calling them a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
“The Osun State House of Assembly strongly condemns these acts of lawlessness and impunity,” Egbedun declared. “We will not succumb to political banditry and unconstitutional actions.” He reaffirmed that all individuals involved in orchestrating these illegal takeovers would face accountability under the law.
The Speaker referenced recent court rulings indicating that the local government elections conducted on October 15, 2022, had been declared unconstitutional by the Federal High Court, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal in January 2025. Despite the clear direction provided by the courts, Egbedun condemned the APC’s resort to violence and intimidation under the guise of political ambition, resulting in violent confrontations that have led to tragic loss of life and property destruction.
Egbedun expressed particular concern over the involvement of law enforcement agencies present during these illegal actions, urging them to uphold their duty to protect citizens and maintain order without bias. The Speaker also insisted on the necessity for immediate government action to restore public confidence in the police, calling for the prosecution of those who aided and abetted the illegal invasions.
In light of maintaining peace and stability, Governor Sen. Ademola Adeleke has issued a directive barring all individuals from local government secretariats. The PDP in Osun State has pledged adherence to this directive, prioritizing democratic governance over political confrontation.
Looking ahead, the Speaker reiterated the importance of maintaining the integrity of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for February 22, 2025. He called on eligible voters to exercise their democratic rights and assured them that no amount of intimidation or violence would derail the electoral process.
Addressing the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Egbedun urged immediate intervention to prevent Osun State from further descent into chaos, emphasizing that the South West has historically been a model of political stability.
As tensions rise in the region, the Osun State House of Assembly remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold democracy, protect citizens, and ensure the rule of law prevails.Speaker Egbedun extended condolences to families affected by the recent violence, reinforcing that the tragic loss of life should not be in vain, and pledging that justice would ultimately prevail.
