The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered security agencies to take control of all local government secretariats in the state following violent clashes over an alleged attempted takeover by sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors. 

In a statement released on Monday via his X page, Adeleke urged residents and politicians, regardless of party affiliation, to stay away from the secretariats to prevent further bloodshed and safeguard public property. 

He wrote: “Following reports of a failed illegal takeover bid of local government councils in Osun by the sacked APC chairmen and councillors, I hereby direct all Osun residents, including politicians across all political divides, to stay away from the local government secretariats to protect public properties and avoid further bloodshed.”

The governor emphasised that the council offices should remain locked, in line with the strike declared by the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), which had earlier announced a withdrawal of services across the state. 

Adeleke also expressed condolences to the families of victims caught in the violence, confirming that five members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries. 

He added “The PDP lost five members with several others wounded. Two of those members are from Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government. Another two were killed at Ola-Oluwa Local Government. Another one was lost at Ikire. We must stop further bloodshed.”

“I have directed security agencies to take charge of all local government secretariats, and I hereby assure residents of Osun of their safety and protection of lives and properties,” he added. 

The political crisis in Osun has escalated in recent days following attempts by the sacked APC council officials to reclaim their positions.

This move has sparked violent confrontations between rival political factions, leading to fatalities and heightened tensions in several local government areas. 

Adeleke had accused Oyetola of issuing illegal directives to security operatives in an attempt to enforce the unlawful return of sacked local government chairmen.