Segun Atanda/
Legal practitioner and Managing Partner at Law Corridor, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has debunked claims of a purported court order reinstating sacked local government chairmen and councilors in Osun State.
Olajengbesi described the claims, propagated by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as false and capable of inciting political unrest.
In his detailed analysis titled, Legal Reality of Osun LG Crisis, Olajengbesi clarified the status of the judgments that nullified the controversial local government elections conducted in October 2022.
According to him, the courts’ decisions remain valid, as no superior court has overturned them.
“Let it be made abundantly clear that no court has ordered the reinstatement of the chairmen and councilors removed following the two landmark judgments,” he stated. “The judgments delivered in 2022 remain sacrosanct. Attempts to twist these rulings for political expediency are outright lies and a danger to our democracy.”
The elections that led to the now-nullified local government administrations were declared unconstitutional by both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Peoples Party (APP). The courts ruled that the process was marred by irregularities and violated the Electoral Act.
Olajengbesi explained that the APC’s claims of reinstatement are not only legally unfounded but also a deliberate effort to mislead the public.
“There is no ambiguity in the judgments. The nullification of the elections is binding, and no new decision has reversed this position,” he said.
The legal expert cautioned against exploiting legal misinterpretations to achieve political goals.
“Democracy thrives on respect for the rule of law. Political actors must avoid actions that erode the fabric of justice and governance,” he added.
The controversy escalated yesterday, when violent clashes broke out at several local government secretariats in Osun State.
Members of the APC attempted to forcibly take over the offices, citing the alleged reinstatement order. The confrontations between APC and PDP supporters led to gunfire, injuries, and fatalities in Osogbo, Irewole, and other areas.
The state government responded by ordering the immediate closure of all local government secretariats and deploying security forces to restore calm.
Governor Ademola Adeleke urged residents to prioritise peace and warned against further attempts to destabilise the state.
Olajengbesi emphasised that resolving the crisis requires adherence to the judicial process rather than resorting to violence or misinformation.
“Those dissatisfied with the court rulings should explore the legal appeals process rather than instigating public disorder,” he advised.
He further called on the judiciary, security agencies, and political actors to work together to maintain peace.
“It is essential to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no individual or group is allowed to subvert justice for selfish interests,” he stated.
0
