LG Crisis: Reps Launch Probe Into Security Situation in Osun

Reps to Probe Security Crisis in Osun Amid LG Dispute

The House of Representatives has decided to intervene in the escalating security crisis in Osun State by setting up an ad hoc committee to conduct a thorough investigation. This decision follows a motion by Honourable Bamidele Salam, who called for urgent action to prevent further violence.

Additionally, the House has urged security agencies to restore peace in the state after violent clashes on Monday resulted in the deaths of at least six people. The unrest stemmed from an alleged Court of Appeal ruling reinstating previously sacked All Progressives Congress (APC)-elected local government chairmen and councillors, which led to an attempted takeover of local government offices. Resistance to this move in areas like Osogbo, Ikire, and Irewole local government areas resulted in fatal confrontations, including the killing of one of the reinstated council chairmen, Remi Abbas.

The crisis has deepened political tensions in Osun, with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition APC blaming each other for the violence.

During a discussion on Channels Television’s Politics Today, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, presented opposing views on the situation.

Senator Basiru called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency, citing attacks on farmers by what he described as PDP-backed thugs.

In response, Alimi dismissed the call, accusing the APC of deliberately inciting chaos to destabilize the state. He insisted that no legitimate court ruling had reinstated the sacked officials and urged them to embrace peace.

“We will publish the names of our members who have been killed. There is no Court of Appeal ruling restoring them; they must follow the path of peace,” Alimi stated.