A political crisis is brewing in Osun State as the Osun State Government and the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, on Sunday engaged in a heated dispute over the reinstatement of local government chairmen removed from office.

The controversy stems from conflicting judicial rulings and has led to allegations of illegal directives, planned violence, and defiance of court orders form the two camps.

The APC, through its State Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, had accused Governor Ademola Adeleke’s government of deliberately misleading the public and refusing to comply with a February 10, 2025 Court of Appeal ruling, which the opposition claims reinstated the elected chairmen and councillors.

The Osun APC in the statement alleged that the government is plotting to prevent their return by declaring an illegal public holiday and mobilising security forces against them.

The APC maintains that the Court of Appeal judgment effectively reinstated the chairmen, and Adeleke’s government is attempting to bypass the ruling through a new election scheduled for 22nd February 2025.

The party accused the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSSIEC, of colluding with the government to conduct an illegal election despite the legal implications.

The APC further alleged that the government had mobilised known individuals, including suspected criminals, to attack opposition members and prevent the chairmen from resuming office.

“We have intelligence that PDP leaders have recruited thugs, including a known gunrunner recently decorated by Governor Adeleke,” Olabisi claimed.

Meanwhile, the APC has urged security agencies to remain neutral and uphold the rule of law.

“We call on the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS Director-General, and other security agencies to ensure that Governor Adeleke and his allies do not create crises where none exist,” Olabisi saidm

Responding through a world press conference on Sunday, Governor Ademola Adeleke warned of an alleged plan by former governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to forcefully take over local government councils.

He claimed that security operatives were being ordered to act on a non-existent judgment, thereby threatening peace and stability in the state.

Adeleke described the situation as “a deliberate plot to create chaos and anarchy” and insisted that the 2022 local government election that brought in the affected chairmen was nullified by two separate Federal High Court judgments.

“The request for reinstatement was declared an academic exercise by the Court of Appeal. No consequential order was given,” he stated.

Adeleke, however, dismissed these accusations as a “desperate attempt to subvert democracy.” He called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and instruct security agencies to ignore any illegal directives from Oyetola. “Mr President is a democrat and will never authorise an unconstitutional takeover,” the governor said.

The governor also accused Oyetola of using his influence as Tinubu’s nephew to manipulate state security forces.

“It is sad that the Commissioner of Police, the DSS Director, and the Civil Defence Commandant are taking orders from a former governor who has no constitutional authority,” he added.

Adeleke warned that any attempt to forcefully take over local government offices would be resisted.

“We will not allow any takeover except through judicial pronouncement or democratic process.

Governor Adeleke appealed to President Bola Tinubu to insist on the rule of law by instructing security agencies not to over any illegal orders.

“I call on Mr President, to instruct the National Security Adviser, and the Attorney General of the Federation, to personally verify the fact that the Court of Appeal judgement did not reinstate the sacked local government chairmen and councilors and the fact that, there is a subsisting judgement of Court that sacked the Chairmen and Councillors produced by the 2022 local government polls

“I also appeal to the President to insist on the rule of law by instructing the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of DSS, the Commandant General of the Civil Defense Corps not to obey an illegal order from his nephew, Mr Gboyega Oyetola. The Osun State security chiefs should be called to order.”

Osun Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, taking the side of the government warned that Osun APC cannot foist itself on the people of the state.

The party reacting the the APC allegations in a statement signed by Sunday Bisi, its chairman dismissed as blatant falsehood the insinuation that the Court of Appeal reinstated officials elected in the controversial council poll held on October 16, 2022.

“While it is true that Appeal Court made a judgement on the appeal filed by the APC on February 10, 2025, we made bold to say no part of the judgement ordered any kind of reinstatement as the APC continues to lie about.

“It is important to point out that of the four issues raised before the Court of Appeal by the APC, only two issues, which only touches on the suit and its amendment were decided while the Court in its wisdom, ignored the two other issues which touched on the validity of the election.

“Equally important is the fact that there exist a valid judgement in suit no: FHC/OS/CS/103/2025 delivered on November 30, 2022, which invalidated the October 15, 2022 election. This judgement which was appealed by the APC was equally dismissed on January 13, 2025 by the Appeal Court on the basis of APC abandonment. The APC are back to the Appeal Court in Akure to revive this appeal, yet, it is trying to deny its existence in the public.

Bisi reiterated that the PDP we will participate in the local government election because the process is in line with the provisions of the law which requires 365 days notice for the conduct of election

“As a lawful party, we’re prepared to defend our rights as provided by the law and no amount of threats will deter us.”

The legal battle over the local government positions dates back to 2022 when the PDP challenged the APC-led administration’s conduct of local government elections.

The Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo had ruled in favour of the PDP, sacking the elected officials.

However, the APC later secured a Court of Appeal judgment, which they interpret as a reinstatement order.

Troops of 1 Brigade of the Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday intercepted cache of arms abandoned by fleeing terrorists in the Kaura Namoda local government area of Zamfara State.

The Coordinator, Join Media Coordinator Center, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, in a statement on Tuesday said the operation was based on intelligence regarding suspected arms dealers operating from Niger Republic.

The statement said the troops launched a covert operation to track the suspects, resulting in a pursuit along the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi Road.

He added that the suspects attempted to escape by diverting their vehicle into the bush but were forced to abandon it after being engaged by the troops.

The Director said subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 2 PKT machine guns, 9 AK-47 rifles, 13 magazines, 171 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 9 rounds of PKT ammunition.

Lt.-Col. Abdullahi however, added that the troops are actively in the pursuit of fugitive terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, assuring that the military personnel are

“Meanwhile, the troops are actively pursuing the wanted terrorist Bello Turji, who remains at large, evading capture by moving from hideout to hideout. We assure the public that our troops are tirelessly working to apprehend him “as part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”

The statement expressed deep appreciation for the concern of the public concern regarding Turji and urged locals to continue their support and cooperation by giving any information that may assist in the military efforts.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it will intensify efforts to stamp out Ponzi and pyramid schemes while paving the way for legitimate investment opportunities to thrive in 2025.

Director general of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama stated this, in a New Year message to the capital market community at the weekend. Agama noted that, this year, the commission will focus on key initiatives that aim to deepen market integrity, enhance investor confidence, and drive economic growth.

According to him, the SEC is positioned with a dual mandate in regulating and developing the capital market in Nigeria, adding that, “naturally, our top priority in 2025 will cut across the dual mandate. For us, mainstreaming the Nigerian Capital Market into the economy is very vital.”

He added that, “enforcement is the backbone of effective regulation. We are revamping our investigative processes to enhance efficiency and hold bad actors accountable more decisively.

“Insider trading undermines activities and dampens market fairness. By revising our regulatory framework, we aim to strengthen detection, prevention, and accountability mechanisms. Transparency is at the heart of investor confidence and capital markets. We will introduce measures to ensure greater visibility and trust in securities transactions.”

SEC DG disclosed that, to resolve market disputes efficiently and fairly, the commission is enhancing the operations of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST), making it more effective in delivering timely resolutions and improving efficiency.

Agama stated that a critical area of focus for the commission in 2025 is strengthening the legal framework of the commodities market to enable it attain its full potential of aiding economic development.

He explained that, “the commodity market is a vital part of the Nigeria economy. This year, we will focus on reinforcing the legal and regulatory structures that support growth so we can create a solid foundation for the vibrant commodities ecosystem. Be it a soft commodity or a hard commodity.”

The SEC DG said, these initiatives represent the Commission’s vision for a stronger and more inclusive capital market in 2025 as the SEC is poised to build wealth, creating confidence and making a difference like never before.