In defiance of the advice by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, Governor Ademola Adeleke has affirmed that local government elections will hold in Osun State on Saturday.
According to him, the elections will take place unfailingly under the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).
Spokesperson to the State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, said Adeleke made the assertion on Friday while receiving a delegation of a civil society coalition that is in the state to monitor the local government elections.
The AGF had cautioned the governor against conducting a new local government council election, saying such an action would not only be invalid but would also amount to a breach of the Constitution since the tenure of the purportedly sacked council chairmen is still running, according to last week’s decision of the Court of Appeal, Akure Division.
However, Adeleke revealed that Osun voters are prepared to exercise their voting rights on Saturday, even as he expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation by the electoral body.
“I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are prepared for elections tomorrow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors.
“OSIEC has also done a marvelous preparatory job, according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating, and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity with the masses,” the governor told the visiting activists.
On the controversy over the election, the governor asserted that democracy is governed by the rule of law and that nobody can assume the authority of the courts.
“My advice to all parties, including local and national stakeholders, is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help.
“The election is going to hold, and the outcome will bring fast-tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state,” Adeleke noted.
