The political battle over control of local government councils in Osun State took a new turn on Thursday as both the state government and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) moved to secure police backing following a fresh court judgment.
The latest development followed a June 15, 2026 ruling by the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, which dismissed a suit filed by local government chairmen elected under the APC during the October 15, 2022 council election and declined their request for tenure extension.
Following the judgment, the Osun State Government requested police protection for officials elected during the February 22, 2025 local government election to enable them to assume office.
In a letter dated June 18 and addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone XI Headquarters, Osogbo, the state government, through its counsel, Oluwabusola Oluwaniyi, argued that the court had rejected all requests made by the APC chairmen, including attempts to remain in office and efforts to prevent their removal.
The government also urged security agencies to facilitate the resumption of the newly elected officials and ensure safety across council Secretariat.
According to the letter, Governor Ademola Adeleke directed security agencies to maintain order, protect local government workers, and support lawful implementation of the court’s decision.
The state government maintained that no court order currently exists to stop enforcement of the judgment, insisting that filing an appeal alone does not automatically suspend execution of a court decision.
However, the APC rejected moves to enforce the ruling, insisting that legal processes had not been exhausted.
In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC alleged that there were plans by supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Accord Party to move into council Secretariat beginning Friday.
The opposition party called on security agencies to remain vigilant and argued that the filing of a notice of appeal and an application for stay of execution should halt any attempt to implement the judgment.
According to the APC, enforcing the judgment while the appeal process remains active could undermine judicial proceedings.
The party further warned that any attempt to forcefully take over council offices could heighten political tension and affect peace across the state.
Meanwhile, counsel to the APC chairmen, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), also wrote to the Inspector-General of Police, informing him that both a notice of appeal and a motion for stay of execution had already been filed.
Adegoke stated that the appeal was submitted at the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, on June 16, while the motion for stay was filed at the Federal High Court the same day.
He urged the police not to enforce the judgment until the appeal and application for stay had been determined, warning that doing otherwise could interfere with ongoing judicial proceedings.
With both sides now seeking security intervention while awaiting further legal action, attention has shifted to the courts and security agencies as the dispute over control of local government councils in Osun State continues.