Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has officially inaugurated the newly elected local government chairmen and councillors under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid rising political tensions in the state.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Osun State Government House, was attended by key political figures like Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and his Bauchi counterpart, Bala Mohammed.
Special Adviser to the Governor on SDG and Multilateral Relations, Banks Omishore, confirmed the development, stating that the event represents a milestone in the administration’s commitment to local governance.
“Swearing in of the local council chairmen and their councillors is now ongoing. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State are here on a solidarity visit to the governor,” Omishore posted on his X account.
The inauguration follows the announcement by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) declaring PDP candidates as winners of all chairmanship and councillorship positions in the recently concluded council elections.
Despite the ceremony, Governor Adeleke has directed the newly sworn-in officials to stay away from their respective council secretariats to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order.
While administering the oath of office and allegiance, Adeleke urged the elected officials to adhere strictly to the PDP manifesto and contribute to his administration’s ongoing efforts to improve governance in the state.
Earlier, OSSIEC Chairman, Hashim Abioye, presented Certificates of Return to the newly elected chairmen and congratulated them on their victory.
He further charged them to uphold democratic principles and serve the people with dedication and accountability.
Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged the legitimacy of the PDP-led council leadership, directing its own elected officials—who were purportedly reinstated by a Court of Appeal ruling on February 10—to resume duties immediately at their respective council secretariats.
In a statement signed by APC’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party dismissed reports suggesting that its candidates had been asked to stay away from office and described the claim as false and politically motivated.
Additionally, the APC has called on the state’s Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Comptroller of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to maintain security and prevent any disruptions across the 30 local government areas in the state.
The party also cautioned parents and guardians to discourage their children from being used as political tools by those seeking to incite unrest.
With both parties laying claim to the leadership of the councils, political observers warn that the situation could escalate if not managed carefully. Security agencies are expected to play a key role in maintaining stability as the battle for local government control unfolds in Osun State.
