Why Osun State LG Chairmen Must Remain In Office Until October 2025 - AGF Exposes Legal Reality

AGF Declares Osun LG Chairmen Must Serve Full Tenure Until October 2025, Warns Adeleke Against Breaching Rule of Law

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has issued a firm legal directive affirming that elected local government chairmen and councillors in Osun State must remain in office until October 2025, following a decisive Court of Appeal judgment.

In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, Fagbemi clarified that the February 10, 2025, ruling by the Court of Appeal effectively nullified an earlier Federal High Court judgment that led to their removal. He urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to respect the rule of law and abandon any plans for fresh local government elections scheduled for February 22, 2025.

The AGF emphasized that any such election would be illegal and constitute a gross violation of the Nigerian Constitution.

The controversy began under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, who conducted local government elections before leaving office. However, the Federal High Court in Osogbo later nullified the election, leading Governor Adeleke to sack the elected officials upon assuming office. In response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenged the decision, taking the matter to the Court of Appeal.

On February 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the APC, declaring the Federal High Court's judgment incompetent and striking it out. According to Fagbemi, this means the ousted local government officials have been reinstated by law, and their tenure remains valid until October 2025.

Despite the court ruling, Governor Adeleke has insisted on holding fresh local government elections. The AGF warned that defying the judgment could lead to a constitutional crisis and potential legal consequences.

Fagbemi accused Adeleke of failing to uphold law and order, alleging that some "disgruntled elements" were resisting the reinstatement of the elected officials. He urged the governor to act responsibly and prevent political instability in Osun State.

The AGF further referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming local government autonomy. He argued that Governor Adeleke has no legal basis to remove duly elected officials before their tenure expires.

Fagbemi's statement urged the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to suspend its planned election and warned that conducting one would amount to "an egregious breach of the Constitution."

The legal fireworks continue as political analysts and stakeholders keenly watch how Governor Adeleke will respond to the AGF's warning. Will the governor comply with the Court of Appeal's decision, or will he push forward with his planned election, risking legal and political consequences?