Osun LG Chairmen, Councillors Returns Following Court Validation of Election
By Waliu Adetokun,
Osogbo
The elected local government chairmen and councillors produced through the February 22, 2025 local government election in Osun State will resume duties at their respective secretariats across the state’s 30 local government areas and area office on Friday, June 19.
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapter, and Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Otunba Sarafadeen Abiodun Awotunde, announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday, describing it as a restoration of democratic governance at the grassroots.
Awotunde said the decision followed a recent court ruling which dismissed an application seeking tenure elongation and the nullification of the February 22, 2025 local government election.
According to him, the judgment reaffirmed the validity of the mandate freely given to the elected officials by the people of Osun State.
“The resumption marks the restoration of the popular and legitimate local government administration freely elected by the people of Osun State and represents another triumph of democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law,” he said.
He assured residents that the returning chairmen and councillors would be guided by a renewed commitment to good governance, grassroots development and efficient service delivery.
Awotunde also commended the judiciary for what he described as its steadfast commitment to justice and due process.
“The judiciary has once again demonstrated why it remains the last hope of the common man. We salute the courage, independence and commitment of the courts to justice and due process despite the pressures and distractions that accompanied this matter,” he stated.
The ALGON chairman further praised the Nigeria Police Force, traditional rulers and local government workers for maintaining peace and order throughout the dispute, which lasted for more than 15 months.
He noted that their collective efforts helped preserve stability and ensured that governance at the grassroots level was not completely disrupted during the period.
Addressing those he referred to as the “Yes/No Chairmen,” Awotunde said the latest court pronouncement had effectively ended any legal basis for their continued claim to office.
“The court has dismissed their request for tenure elongation and the cancellation of the February 22, 2025 election. Consequently, they have no legal basis whatsoever to continue laying claim to offices occupied by duly elected officials,” he said.
He urged those dissatisfied with the judgment to seek redress through lawful means rather than engage in actions capable of disrupting public peace.
“If they are dissatisfied with the judgment, the proper democratic and legal option available to them is to pursue their appeal from home and not through acts capable of undermining public peace or disrupting local government administration,” Awotunde added.
He stressed that the people of Osun State deserve peace, development and responsible leadership, noting that the time had come to focus on governance and service delivery.
Awotunde reaffirmed the commitment of the elected chairmen and councillors to transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and accelerated grassroots development in line with the aspirations of the people of the state.