A civil society organisation, The Osun Masterminds, has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to convene a broad-based meeting of stakeholders across political parties, faith-based organisations, and community groups to chart a peaceful resolution to the ongoing local government crises in the state.
Local government activities in Osun have been grounded since February 17, as workers abandoned their duty posts over disputes on who legitimately controls the councils.
The logjam stems from conflicting claims by chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress in October 2022—whose sack was initially upheld by a Federal High Court but later reversed by the Court of Appeal—and those elected under the Peoples Democratic Party in February 2025, who also insist on their legitimacy.
Speaking at TOM’s monthly media parley in Osogbo on Friday, the group’s Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, welcomed the state government’s decision to approach the Supreme Court but stressed that political and religious dialogue was equally critical.
“As stated earlier, we are happy as a group, that the Osun State Government has finally taken the correct route, and has approached the Supreme Court. This is in the best interest of not just democracy, but the welfare of our people.
“The Local Governments remaining shut over the months crippled development in the grassroots and we must get this vital arm of government back up,” Oyedokun-Alli said.
He added: “After approaching the Supreme Court however, we still want to advise the Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, to do two very important things.
“Convoke a meeting of stakeholders in Osun, across all political parties, faith-based organisations and community development organisations, to deliberate on the best way to ensure peaceful co-existence across our Local Governments.
The events of the past months have divided us deeply, and the Governor needs to ensure that ranks are closed and peace is restored, he noted.
“Collaborate with security agencies to provide necessary security cover for Local Government employees to resume work. Their continued absence from work is crippling the Local Governments and it must be stopped immediately,” he stated.
Oyedokun-Alli further advised the APC, the other party to the LG dispute, to allow the Supreme Court to resolve all pending issues, insisting that legality remains “the only surefire way to ensure that our society continues to run like a proper human society.”
On infrastructure, TOM called on Governor Adeleke to prioritise road rehabilitation.
The group specifically mentioned the Ibokun/Imesi-Ile and Ila Orangun roads, describing them as death traps, while also urging completion of ongoing projects including the Iwo-Ibadan road and the Ilesa township road.
