The Osun State Government has refuted claims that it is pressuring local government officials to alter council account signatories amid an ongoing power struggle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adewale Adebayo, Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Osun, alleged that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration was coercing Finance Directors and Heads of Local Administration into making unauthorized changes.
“We have reliably gathered that the government has taken 30 Finance Directors and Heads of Local Administration to an undisclosed location against their will. They are being pressured to change council account signatories to the newly elected officials. This is a blatant attempt to undermine democracy and the rule of law,” Adebayo claimed.
He further argued that despite a Court of Appeal ruling affirming the October 15, 2022, council elections, the state government’s actions contradicted the judgment.
However, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, dismissed the allegations as baseless.
“These claims are mere speculation. The Commissioner for Local Government has confirmed that no such directive was given. APM is only trying to create a false narrative because they have lost relevance,” Alimi stated.
Meanwhile, the APC has urged local government workers to resume their duties, warning against political interference. Jamiu Olawumi, a former Special Adviser under ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized that reinstated council chairmen had given workers a 72-hour ultimatum to return to work.
However, the Osun chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) rejected the ultimatum, with Chairman Christopher Arapasopo insisting that workers would only return when their safety was guaranteed.
Despite this, Olawumi maintained that council chairmen and councillors would continue operations with or without the workers.
“It is unfortunate that workers are becoming partisan. They must understand that they are employed by their respective local governments, not the state. The ultimatum lapses today, and we expect them back at work tomorrow,” Olawumi said.
Amid the standoff, Osun-based civil society group “The Osun Masterminds” has called for a judicial resolution.
Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, urged all parties to seek legal clarification to prevent further political unrest.
“As the 2026 Osun gubernatorial election approaches, all stakeholders must prioritize peace. If this crisis lingers, it could destabilize the state. Local government staff must remain non-partisan and respect the rule of law,” Oyedokun-Alli cautioned.
