A coalition of civil society organisations in Osun State has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state, warning that the lingering local government control dispute risks plunging the state into anarchy.
The coalition, comprising the Centre for Justice Initiatives (CJI), Community Advocacy and Initiative for Local Government Development (ILGD), and Centre for Justice and Community Advocacy, Nigeria (CJCAN), said the stalemate stems from the state government’s disregard for court rulings recognizing All Progressives Congress (APC)-led local government chairmen and councillors as lawful administrators.
Comrade Kanyinsola Adebayo, ILGD spokesperson, said, “All three — rule of law, the sanctity of the constitution, and protection of lives are under grave threat in Osun State. Governor Ademola Adeleke has shown brazen and dangerous disregard for the judgments of the Appeal and Supreme Courts.”
Adebayo accused the state government of misrepresenting court judgments, establishing parallel governance structures, denying local governments financial autonomy, and misleading the public, adding that these actions contributed to the gruesome killing of Irewole Local Government Chairman, Hon. Remi Abass.
“The Osun State Government has effectively placed itself above the Constitution. This is not a political disagreement; it is a constitutional breakdown. Section 1(3) of the Constitution is clear: any action inconsistent with the Constitution is null and void,” she said.
The coalition stressed that the federal government has constitutional powers under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to declare a state of emergency to restore public order.
Comrade Amusa Opeyemi, CJCAN Secretary-General, urged the Senate to approve a state of emergency in Osun similar to what was done in Rivers State and called on the Inspector-General of Police to prosecute those involved in Abass’s killing.
“We call on President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Osun State, strictly within the Constitution, to enforce court judgments, restore the rule of law, and protect citizens,” Opeyemi added.
The call comes amid fears that the prolonged impasse could destabilize the state, heightening tensions ahead of future political and administrative activities.
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