Osun LG Crisis: 8 People Killed In APC-PDP Clash
The ongoing power struggle over control of local government secretariats in Osun State took a violent turn yesterday, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people, including a local government chairman. Several others sustained injuries as clashes erupted between members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The conflict stemmed from a legal dispute, with APC members asserting that the Court of Appeal had reinstated them after their removal from office. Meanwhile, the Osun State government, led by the PDP, insisted that a Federal High Court had nullified their election, making their return to office unlawful.
Tensions flared early in the morning as APC local government officials attempted to resume office in multiple council areas, including Boripe, Ilesa-West, Obokun, Odo-Otin, Iwo, Ayedaade, Isokan, and Irewole. However, violence erupted when suspected PDP supporters reportedly stormed the secretariats, firing gunshots into the air in an attempt to prevent the APC members from taking over. In response, APC loyalists resisted, leading to clashes that resulted in several casualties.
The state government reported that five PDP members were killed, while the APC claimed that three of its members lost their lives. Among the deceased was Remi Abass, chairman of Irewole Local Government, a councillor from Isokan, and a party member from Ola-Oluwa Local Government.
During a press briefing at the APC campaign office, party representative Jamiu Olawumi accused PDP supporters of orchestrating the attacks. He claimed that the violence was a direct response to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s prior warnings against APC members resuming office.
“In line with the governor’s threats, PDP thugs stormed our secretariats and opened fire on our people. Remi Abass was killed, along with a councillor in Isokan and an APC member in Ola-Oluwa,” Olawumi alleged. He further claimed that APC members outside the secretariats were also targeted, citing an alleged assassination attempt on Engr. Remi Omowaye, Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority, in Ilesa.
“Even those who did not go to the secretariat were attacked. Engr. Omowaye narrowly escaped an assassination attempt as PDP thugs shot at his vehicle and attacked his office in Ilesa,” he added.
On the other hand, the Osun State Commissioner for Protocol and Government Affairs, Soji Ajeigbe, accused APC supporters of initiating the violence. He alleged that three PDP members were shot dead by APC thugs in Isokan and Ayedaade local governments, with multiple others sustaining injuries.
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“The PDP lost five members, and six others are currently receiving treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary,” Ajeigbe stated.
Reacting to the unrest, Governor Adeleke condemned the violence and ordered security agencies to take over all local government secretariats to restore order. He also warned all politicians to stay away from the premises to prevent further bloodshed.
In a statement shared on his social media account, Adeleke expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured residents of their safety.
“The failed attempt by sacked APC chairmen and councillors to forcefully take over local government councils has led to unnecessary bloodshed. I urge all Osun residents to avoid the secretariats, as the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has already withdrawn services,” the governor stated.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed that investigations were underway and promised to hold those responsible accountable. Meanwhile, Osun lawmakers in the National Assembly urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by directing the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to restore peace in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Rep. Bamidele Salam described the situation as a “criminal takeover” of local government secretariats by sacked APC officials. He accused the party of using federal influence and security personnel to destabilize the state.
“The APC, with the support of some security agencies, has defied a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld their removal. This act of lawlessness has led to violence and deaths across the state,” Salam stated.
The caucus further accused Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, of masterminding the crisis, allegedly in collaboration with state security heads.
“We strongly condemn this attack on democracy. It is evident that this is an attempt by APC leaders, including Mr Oyetola, to forcefully seize power. We call on the federal government to resist any pressure to intervene on behalf of the APC in what is strictly a state matter,” the lawmakers said.
The national leadership of the PDP also weighed in on the matter, asserting that the sacked local government officials had no legal basis for returning to office. Party spokesperson Debo Ologunagba criticised the APC for resorting to violence instead of preparing for fresh elections.
“The Court of Appeal upheld the removal of these officials, and any attempt to reclaim power through force is unlawful. If the APC believes it has public support, it should contest the upcoming elections instead of instigating violence,” Ologunagba stated.
He further warned the APC against dragging the federal government into a matter that falls under state jurisdiction, emphasizing that local government elections are the responsibility of state governments under Nigeria’s federal system.
“Our democracy does not allow the federal government to interfere in state-controlled elections. The APC should prepare for the electoral process rather than seek to impose its will through force,” he added.
The situation remains volatile, with security agencies now in control of all local government secretariats. Investigations into the violence are ongoing, and both parties continue to trade accusations over the cause of the unrest. Residents of Osun State remain on edge as they await further developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
Picture Credit | https://thecitizenng.com/
