Appeal Court reinstates sacked APC local govt chairmen in Osun

By Folarunso Alagbede

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure has reinstated the elected local government chairmen and councillors sacked by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The court in a judgment in Tuesday ordered the immediate resumption of office of the council officials who are all members of the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

Meanwhile, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, (OSSIEC), has filed an appeal against the Appeal Court judgement.

The government filed an application for stay of execution, pending hearing of the appeal.

It would be recalled that on assumption of office in November 2022, Governor Adeleke sacked the local government officials after a High Court decision had earlier upturned their election.

The High Court sacked the council officials after their election which was organised by OSSIEC.

The Osun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), and other political parties had approached the High Court to challenge the council elections.

They prayed the court to declare the election as a nullity because it was only the APC candidates who contested vacant positions and the ‘options given to them was either a YES or NO’.While expressing confidence that APC will win Osun State back if the ticket is zoned to Osun West in 2026, he added that this act will significantly enhance the electoral success of the APC in future elections, especially the 2026 gubernatorial election and demonstrate the party’s commitment to just political processes and its dedication to fostering a unified state where every district’s voice is heard and valued.

“Our commitment is not only to pursue balance within our political party but also to set a precedent for inclusive and reflective politics. With widespread community support and a vision that resonates across various demographics in Osun, this pursuit reflects democratic ideal that should be celebrated and supported.”

Meanwhile, leaders of the party in the Osun West Senatorial District have called on different groups within the party in the state to suspend all memos and communiqués regarding the party’s candidacy.

This decision was reached at an Osun West Senatorial District APC stakeholders meeting in Iwo on Friday.

At the meeting, the stakeholders unanimously agreed that former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has the right of first refusal for the party’s gubernatorial ticket.

The meeting, presided over by the Chairman of the Caucus, Akin Omolaoye, passed a vote of confidence in the party’s leadership at both the national and state levels, emphasizing that the APC will field the best candidate to win the 2026 governorship election in the state.

Omolaoye stated that Oyetola remained the party’s ticket holder unless he decides not to contest.