On Monday, February 17, 2025, Osun State experienced significant unrest as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clashed over control of local government council secretariats.
Reports gathered that two people were reportedly shot during the confrontation in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State.
The root of the conflict lies in a recent Court of Appeal judgment that reinstated previously sacked elected council chairmen and councillors affiliated with the APC. The APC interpreted this ruling as a mandate to reclaim control of the local councils. Conversely, the Osun State Government, led by the PDP, contends that a prior Federal High Court decision in Osogbo had nullified the elections that brought these officials to power, rendering the appellate court’s decision ineffective.
APC members mobilized to take over various council secretariats. Their efforts were met with resistance from armed individuals, leading to violent confrontations.
NaijaTimesUSA gathered that APC executives resumed office early on Monday, celebrating their reinstatement and boasting about reclaiming control of the council.
However, as they left the council premises, they were ambushed by PDP members, leading to gunfire that left two people injured.
In Boluwaduro Local Government Area, for instance, hooded gunmen thwarted the APC’s attempt to assume control. Similarly, in Olorunda Local Government Area, both APC and PDP members were prevented by police forces from accessing the council secretariat, underscoring the volatile nature of the standoff.
Security operatives from the Amotekun Corps later arrived at the scene, but APC members reportedly resisted their intervention.
In Osogbo, APC members took over the secretariat at Oke-Baale area but after a while, an aide of Governor Ademola Adeleke, Special Adviser on Political Matter, Muniru Raji mobilised against APC members which were resisted.
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Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye later mobilised more members of PDP to the council which chased APC from the council. There was gunshots at the council when they clash resulting to shooting of members.
One person was injured during the clash in Osogbo local government area.
In Ife Central, APC members resumed the council and PDP protested against the action causing heavy gridlock along Ibadan/Ikire expressway.
There was an uneasy calm in Obokun council as both APC and PDP members were standing in front of the council which is under lock and keys.
In Irewole, APC members were resisted from resuming to office as members of PDP stood at the council to prevent any invasion.
Eyewitnesses reported alarming scenes in Irewole Local Government Area, particularly in Ikire. Tunde Shamsudeen, a traveler on the Ikire-Ibadan expressway, recounted: “Hooded gunmen were shooting sporadically into the air in front of the council secretariat in Irewole, Ikire, which is right on the express road.” This display of force caused motorists to divert their routes at Ikoyi to avoid potential danger.
The former Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye led resumption of the APC council executives into the office in Ilesa East.
Also, ex-lawmaker, Babatunde Komolafe led the resumption of APC executives in Atakunmosa West.
In Olorunda, there was heavy security at the entrance of the secretariat with scores of PDP members led by the Commissioner for Rural Development, Gani Olaoluwa.
