Residents of Osun State have found themselves in the midst of a prolonged governance vacuum at the local level as a fierce political battle continues to play out between major parties. The ongoing tussle, which has rendered local government administrations inactive for over seven months, has profound implications not only for Osun citizens but also for observers across Nigeria and West Africa who understand the vital role local governments play in day-to-day life and grassroots development.
The Roots of the Crisis
The root of Osun State’s local government impasse can be traced back to late 2022. During the waning days of the previous administration, led by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), local government elections were conducted on October 15, 2022. The contest saw participation solely from the then-ruling APC, a move that sparked criticism and warnings from various quarters. Shortly after these officials took office, Oyetola was defeated in the gubernatorial poll by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
Rather than a swift transition, the change in leadership triggered a wave of legal and political disputes. Notably, amidst expectations that Governor Adeleke would unilaterally remove the APC-backed local government officials, their ouster instead came through a court decision resulting from a suit filed by the All Peoples Party (APP). This detail is significant, as many in the state initially believed the new governor had acted directly.
Legal Battles and Institutional Deadlock
In an attempt to reclaim influence, both the PDP and APC mobilized heavyweights from various spheres: legal experts, labour unions, community leaders, the state House of Assembly, financial institutions, security agencies, and even revered traditional and religious figures. The complexity deepened after the Adeleke administration organized new local government elections in February 2025, which were also challenged by the APC, particularly as all available seats were swept by the PDP.
Disputes erupted into violence upon attempts by some deposed officials to resume their duties, prompting the state government to issue a stay-at-home directive for newly appointed local council chairmen and councillors. The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), concerned about staff safety, advised its members to refrain from reporting to work until tensions eased.
Impact on Citizens: Stalled Services and Daily Hardships
For ordinary citizens, the greatest casualty has been access to essential local government services. Many residents cannot obtain necessary documentation, such as identification papers and affidavits, or utilize local facilities for routine matters ranging from property certification to registry services like marriages. One local government staff member, who asked to remain anonymous, told our reporter, “Those nearing retirement can’t get required approvals, and even basic staff loans that provide financial relief are out of reach. This situation has forced us into uncertainty.”
The disruption has also led to considerable revenue losses from taxes, tolls, and ordinary civic activities, a concern echoed by another official who stated, “Government coffers are suffering from the lack of daily collections, while social services are on hold.”
Competing Claims and Multiple Stakeholders
This bitter dispute has fractured the ranks of organizations representing local government interests. For instance, Osun State now hosts two rival branches of the Association of Local Government Workers (ALGON), with Sarafadeen Awotunde and Abiodun Idowu each claiming legitimacy over local council affairs. Other groups—such as the Concerned Local Government Workers led by Adedayo Adekunle, and NULGE led by Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe—have found themselves drawn into interpretive battles over judicial rulings, often siding with their favored political camps.
Tensions have likewise surfaced in religious and community groups. The Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and the League of Imams have publicly disagreed on supporting candidates and handling political alignments, further exposing divisions at the grassroots. Traditional rulers, legal associations like the Nigeria Bar Association, and even banking institutions have reportedly been pulled into different sides of the disagreement, each offering their interpretations, or in some cases, being used as tools in the broader power struggle.
Legal Interpretations: Who Holds the Mandate?
Interpretations of court judgments remain at the crux of the standoff. According to APC officials, a recent ruling from the Court of Appeal in Akure, which reversed an earlier Federal High Court decision in Osogbo, underscored their legitimacy to oversee local councils. On the other hand, PDP representatives maintain that the initial suit brought by APP—which ousted APC officeholders—has not been appealed and thus stands as the recognized order.
The lack of a unified legal or political consensus means every side continues to hang onto whichever rulings favor them, frustrating efforts to restore stable and effective local governance for the people of Osun.
Federal Involvement and Renewed Tensions
The crisis escalated recently when, as reported by several local news outlets, the federal government released local government allocations to officials associated with the APC, on the belief that they are the lawfully recognized officeholders. This action has reignited the legal contest and raised questions about the independence of state governance and respect for federalism principles—a topic often debated not only in Nigeria but across the broader West African region.
According to governance expert Dr. Kemi Ajibade based in Lagos, “The situation in Osun highlights the perennial challenge across Nigerian states: finding a balance between ensuring local accountability and preventing the suffocation of reforms by partisan interests.”
Despite suggestions from concerned groups for President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Osun, Governor Adeleke has maintained a policy of restraint, directing his supporters to avoid confrontations and keep the peace as legal battles continue.
The Human Cost: Local Voices Speak Out
Residents, left in limbo, have become increasingly vocal about their frustrations. Mr. Aderemi Adejumobi, a shop owner in Osogbo, pleaded with the politicians to “put their egos aside and let the state move forward. We are suffering because we cannot get the simplest local government service. Our businesses and personal lives are on hold because of endless court cases and power struggles.”
Labour circles, while sympathetic to both sides, have lauded the current governor’s approach to continue paying salaries and benefits even with the workforce essentially inactive—a gesture that has earned him goodwill but has not alleviated the larger uncertainty.
Wider Lessons and Regional Parallels
Osun’s predicament is not unique; several other Nigerian states and indeed countries across Africa face comparable hurdles where political rivalries override institutional continuity. For example, Ghana’s decentralized governance system similarly grapples with managing political transitions at the district level, though robust conflict-resolution mechanisms often reduce prolonged disruptions.
The protracted nature of Osun’s crisis also raises questions about constitutional provisions for local government autonomy, the weakness of accountability frameworks, and the pattern of federal-state interactions, all of which speak to larger issues facing African democracies striving for sustainable development and good governance.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
With local government services suspended, residents are left bearing the brunt of political gamesmanship as the judiciary and rival power blocs continue to debate rightful control. Experts suggest a need for clearer legal frameworks and strengthened mechanisms for dispute resolution that preserve core services for ordinary people, regardless of which party holds power.
As the crisis stretches on without visible resolution, it prompts urgent reflection on the broader implications for Nigeria’s democracy and for West African governance as a whole.
What do you think is the best way to restore stability to Osun’s local governments? Have you or someone you know been affected by similar local government shutdowns? Share your thoughts in the comments and keep the conversation going.
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