As Osun State prepares for its Local Government Elections on Saturday, February 22, 2025, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi Irekandu, the lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, has called on all eligible voters to actively participate in the democratic process.
In a YouTube broadcastaddressing residents of Obokun and Osun State at large, Hon. Irekandu emphasized the crucial role local governance plays in daily life, affecting infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic activities.
He urged citizens to seize the opportunity to elect credible leaders who would drive development at the grassroots level.
Hon. Irekandu reaffirmed the constitutional validity of the local government elections, citing Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as altered), which guarantees a democratically elected local government system. He also referenced Section 197(1)(b), which empowers State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs)—in this case, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC)—to conduct the elections.
“The Osun State House of Assembly, as the legally recognized legislative body, has enacted laws enabling OSSIEC to organize and oversee this election,” Irekandu stated. “Additionally, Sections 4(6) and 4(7) of the Constitution grant State Assemblies exclusive power to legislate on matters relating to local government elections.”
Addressing concerns about the election’s legitimacy, Hon. Irekandu clarified that no competent court has issued an order stopping the exercise. He pointed out that judicial precedents from both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal have upheld the validity of previous elections, reinforcing the legal and constitutional necessity of the upcoming poll.
“No institution, entity, or advisory can override this constitutional process unless expressly directed by a court of competent jurisdiction,” he asserted.
Hon. Irekandu urged all eligible voters to come out en masse, vote peacefully, and ensure their votes count, stressing that democratic participation strengthens governance and accountability.
He also called on security agencies to act professionally and ensure a safe, transparent, and credible electoral process. Additionally, he emphasized the responsibility of OSSIEC in conducting a free and fair election.
“As public servants and stakeholders in Osun State’s democracy, we must ensure that this election is conducted peacefully and in full compliance with constitutional provisions,” he said.
Under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, the Osun State House of Assembly remains committed to democracy, transparency, and the rule of law, Hon. Irekandu affirmed.
He concluded by encouraging voters to arrive at polling stations early, vote peacefully, and legally protect their votes, reinforcing the collective responsibility of building a stronger democratic system in Obokun and Osun State.
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/GvINjjPf1Dk?si=4fkf2If00QLPT3Cl
