Appeal Court ruling escalates LG control tensions in Osun

The Court of Appeal in Akure has firmly dismissed a motion by the All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking to relist its appeal against a 2022 Federal High Court judgment. Notably, the earlier ruling had nullified Osun State’s local government elections, declaring them unconstitutional. Consequently, this decision has intensified political tensions, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APC offering conflicting interpretations. Since February 2023, the 30 local councils have remained non-functional due to disputes between both parties.

During a virtual ruling on Friday, Justice Peter Obiorah, representing a three-member panel, emphasized that the APC’s appeal lacked merit. Specifically, the court criticized the party for unnecessary delays, calling it a “self-inflicted injury.” Moreover, Justice Obiorah cited the legal maxim *volenti non fit injuria*, stressing that equity favors the vigilant. Additionally, the panel questioned why only one appellant sought relisting and found no credible explanation for delayed court records. Ultimately, the court rejected the APC’s request, warning against legal confusion.

Background of the Controversy

The conflict stems from the October 2022 local government elections under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. Initially, the APC won all seats using a disputed “Yes/No” voting system. However, a Federal High Court in Osogbo nullified the polls in November 2022, citing constitutional violations. As a result, all elected officials were sacked, creating political instability. Although the APC appealed, procedural errors led to setbacks, culminating in Friday’s dismissal.

Osun State Government Reacts

Osun State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Kolapo Alimi, hailed the ruling as a triumph for justice. He asserted that the appellate court rightly upheld the Federal High Court’s decision. Furthermore, Alimi criticized the APC for causing unnecessary turmoil under Oyetola’s administration. He demanded an apology from the APC and praised the judiciary for upholding the rule of law.

APC Disputes Interpretation of Ruling

Conversely, the APC rejected the PDP’s claims, arguing that Friday’s ruling only addressed procedural issues. According to spokesperson Kola Olabisi, a separate February 2025 judgment reinstated APC officials, remaining valid unless overturned. He accused the PDP of spreading misinformation to mislead the public.

PDP Hails Judgment, Criticizes APC

The PDP celebrated the verdict, with Chairman Hon. Sunday Bisi calling the 2022 elections a “sham.” He emphasized that only officials elected in February 2025 are legitimate and urged residents to ignore the APC’s “desperate antics.”

Federal Government Withholds Allocations

Compounding the crisis, the Federal Government has frozen Osun’s local government allocations since February 2023. Meanwhile, the state government has challenged this at the Supreme Court, citing governance disruptions.

While Friday’s ruling provides legal clarity, political tensions persist. The PDP views it as vindication, whereas the APC vows to pursue further legal action. As the conflict continues, the Supreme Court may ultimately decide the outcome of this prolonged dispute.

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