Osun LG Crisis: Eight Killed In APC Vs PDP Clash Over Secretariats

Political Tensions in Osun: Eight Dead in APC-PDP Local Government Clash

Highlights of the Crisis:

Osun APC Accusation: PDP thugs stormed council secretariats, attacking APC members.
Government Action: Governor Adeleke orders security forces to take control of LG offices.
Police Statement: Investigations are ongoing.
NASS Intervention: Lawmakers urge President Tinubu and the NSA to restore order.
PDP’s Position: Sacked LG officials cannot return; APC will be held accountable for any unrest.

Violence Erupts Over Local Government Control

OSOGBO – The struggle for control over local government secretariats in Osun State took a deadly turn, resulting in eight confirmed deaths, including an LG chairman. Several others sustained injuries as All Progressives Congress (APC) officials attempted to resume duties at their respective council secretariats.

Conflicting reports emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed five of its members were among the deceased, while APC reported the loss of three of its members.

The confrontation is rooted in a legal dispute. APC asserts that the Appeal Court reinstated its sacked LG chairmen and councillors. However, the Osun State government argues that a Federal High Court ruling had nullified the election that brought them into office.

How the Conflict Escalated

By 8:00 AM, elected APC council officials arrived at their designated secretariats across several LGAs, including Boripe, Ilesa-West, Obokun, Odo-Otin, Iwo, Ayedaade, Isokan, and Irewole.

However, alleged PDP-aligned thugs reportedly stormed the locations, firing gunshots into the air to disperse the officials. This provoked a violent response from suspected APC supporters, leading to fatalities and multiple injuries.

APC: PDP Thugs Launched the Attack

Speaking at the Ileri-Oluwa Campaign office in Osogbo, Jamiu Olawumi, representing the APC chairman, claimed that their reinstated officials had peacefully resumed in at least 15 LGAs before the violent disruption.

Olawumi stated:

“By 9:15 AM, our officials had successfully resumed in 15 council areas, including Ede-South, Ife-Central, Ife-North, Ife-East, Ilesa-East, Obokun, Odo-Otin, Osogbo, Boripe, Irewole, Isokan, Ayedaade, and Atakumosa-East.”

He further alleged that:

“In line with Governor Adeleke’s threats, PDP thugs invaded the secretariats and began shooting at our members. Tragically, the chairman of Irewole, Remi Abass, was killed, along with a councillor in Isokan and one APC member in Ola-Oluwa.”

Olawumi called on Governor Adeleke to rein in his party members and warned that APC officials would continue reporting to the secretariats in accordance with the court ruling.

PDP: APC Thugs Responsible for the Violence

Meanwhile, Mr. Soji Ajeigbe, Commissioner for Protocol and Government Affairs, countered these claims, stating that two PDP members, Ege and Igara, were killed by armed APC supporters.

Ajeigbe added:

“Six other individuals lost their lives during the struggle for the secretariats. The deceased have been taken to the morgue, and the injured are currently receiving treatment.”

Governor Adeleke Deploys Security Forces

In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Ademola Adeleke took to his X handle (@AAdeleke_01) to announce immediate intervention by security agencies.

External Source:

For further details on the political situation in Osun State, visit Premium Times for up-to-date reports.

Final Thoughts
The Osun local government crisis has taken a tragic turn, with lives lost and heightened political tensions. As investigations continue, there are growing calls for peace and legal resolution to prevent further violence.

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