Deadly Clashes Erupt In Osun Over Local Government Control.
At least five people were feared dead, and several others sustained injuries in Osun State on Monday following violent clashes over control of local government secretariats. The crisis stemmed from a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Akure, which purportedly reinstated All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors who were removed from office in 2022.
Tensions escalated as APC members attempted to reclaim local government offices, leading to violent confrontations with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposing groups. The state government maintained that the court’s judgment did not automatically reinstate the sacked officials, despite the APC’s insistence that it did.
Violent Clashes and Fatalities
In Irewole Local Government Area, Ikire, the situation took a tragic turn when former chairman Mr Remi Abass was reportedly killed during a clash with armed opponents resisting the takeover attempt. Reports suggest that several others were injured in the altercation.
Further violence erupted in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area, where two individuals lost their lives in confrontations between APC and PDP supporters. Another fatality was recorded in Olaoluwa Local Government Area. The state Commissioner for Protocol and Government Affairs, Mr Soji Ajeigbe, claimed that two PDP members, identified as Ege and Igara, were among those killed, with six others injured.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the deployment of officers to affected areas to restore order, though full details of the incidents were still being gathered.
Government Response and Security Measures
Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the violence and attributed the bloodshed to an illegal attempt by the APC to seize control of local governments. He confirmed that five PDP members were killed and many others wounded.
“I, therefore, direct all law-abiding Osun residents to stay away from the council secretariats, especially as they are expected to be under lock and key,” he stated. He assured the public of their safety and instructed security agencies to take control of all local government facilities.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the APC, Jamiu Olawumi, countered these claims, alleging that APC officials had resumed in 15 local governments, only for PDP-backed hoodlums to attack them. He accused high-ranking government officials of leading violent resistance against the APC’s return to office.
Alleged Assassination Attempt
Adding to the chaos, the Executive Director of Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Remi Omowaiye, reported an assassination attempt on his life. He claimed that his convoy was ambushed along the Osogbo-Ilesa road, with gunmen firing at his vehicle. His driver and police orderly were critically injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
Heightened Tensions Across the State
Amid the unrest, security personnel, including police officers and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were stationed at multiple locations to prevent further escalation. Witnesses reported a heavy presence of law enforcement at key government facilities, including the Irewole Local Government secretariat in Ikire.
As Osun State grapples with the fallout of the crisis, political leaders continue to trade blame over the violence. Residents remain on edge, awaiting further clarity on the fate of the disputed local government leadership.
