- Fagbemi said there was no basis for fresh elections because a recent court of appeal ruling returned former council chairpersons and councillors to their former offices until October 2025.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has urged Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, to cancel Saturday’s local government elections.
Prince Lateef Fagbemi warned that proceeding with the elections would violate the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and disrupt the state’s stability.
He emphasized that the Court of Appeal recently reinstated all elected local government officials in Osun State, who were illegally removed by Governor Adeleke.
According to Prince Fagbemi, the restored officials’ tenure will expire in October, making the planned elections unnecessary.
Consequently, Prince Fagbemi advised Governor Adeleke to “toe the path of law in this matter and not instigate unnecessary violence in Osun State.”
He stated, “My attention has been drawn to the PUBLIC OUTCRY OF Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, concerning the judgement of the Court of Appeal.”
Prince Fagbemi clarified that the Court of Appeal’s judgement nullified the Federal High Court’s decision, which removed the elected local government officials.
He explained that Governor Adeleke’s executive order replaced the elected officials with caretaker appointees, sparking resistance from disgruntled elements.
Prince Fagbemi noted that the Court of Appeal’s judgement restored the elected officials, but Governor Adeleke insists on holding new elections.
He warned that such elections would be invalid and breach the Constitution, emphasizing the need for a smooth transition.
Prince Fagbemi urged Governor Adeleke to advise the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to cancel the elections and maintain peace in the state.
He offered his office’s availability for dialogue to resolve the issue in the interest of Osun State and Nigeria.
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