Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed newly elected local government chairmen to stay away from council secretariats to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the state.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for the 30 local government chairmen and vice-chairmen at the Osun State Government House on Sunday, Adeleke urged them to align their work with the manifesto of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasizing his administration’s commitment to transforming the state.
He described the event as the culmination of the people’s efforts and the final stage of a process that began a year ago.
“I call on you to be agents of change, community developers, and providers of the dividends of democracy,” Adeleke said. “We will not fail you. People’s welfare will continue to be our watchword.”
The governor also commended the Osun electoral commission, security agencies, and state officials for ensuring a smooth election process. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for maintaining stability in Osun State.
“I assure Mr. President of my commitment to the rule of law,” Adeleke added.
Also speaking at the event, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, congratulated the newly elected officials and reminded them of their campaign promises.
“This is your opportunity to serve the grassroots. Hard work will open more doors for you,” Makinde said.
Addressing the violence that erupted in Osun on Monday, February 17, 2025, Makinde warned against any attempt to disrupt peace in the state.
“We don’t want a return to the ‘wild, wild West.’ We are here to deliver democracy peacefully,” he stated. “No one should resort to self-help, even in the face of a court judgment. Federal might should not be misused. I will stop here.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Barrister Hashim Abioye, presented Certificates of Return to the elected chairmen, urging them to be good ambassadors of democracy through their conduct and service.
OSSIEC had earlier declared PDP candidates as winners of all 332 councillorship seats and 30 local government chairmanship positions in the state.
