By Hagxy Don
In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Osun State, an Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa has issued a decisive order mandating the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to immediately conduct elections to fill the vacant positions of local government chairmen and councilors across the state’s 30 local government areas.
The ruling, delivered by Justice A.A. Aderibigbe, unequivocally upheld the claimants’ demands, leaving OSSIEC with no choice but to comply. The court further directed all security agencies—including the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Amotekun Corps, and various vigilante groups—to ensure absolute security before, during, and after the scheduled local government elections on February 22, 2025.
This development has heightened political tensions in the state, as stakeholders from different camps scramble to position themselves ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested election. The court's ruling has effectively dismantled any potential legal roadblocks, forcing OSSIEC into action and setting the stage for a showdown at the grassroots level.
With security forces now placed on high alert, political actors and residents alike are watching closely, as the countdown to February 22 begins. The question remains: will OSSIEC deliver a free and fair election, or will this ruling open a new chapter of political drama in Osun State?
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