Governor Ademola Adeleke has demanded that police withdraw security from APC-aligned local government chairmen in Osun State. His call came after the Federal High Court in Osogbo ruled against the chairmen's bid to extend their tenure.
Speaking to journalists on Monday in Osogbo, Adeleke said the court found the chairmen lacked legal standing to file the case. He noted the judgment aligned with constitutional provisions on the matter.
"The dismissal of the elongation request conforms with the stipulations of the Constitution," Adeleke said. According to him, the ruling validated what the Supreme Court had previously decided.
Court documents showed the chairmen's tenure expired in October 2025, making their occupation of council secretariats unlawful. Adeleke said they no longer had any legal basis to hold office.
He directed the Police Commissioner to stop protecting the removed officials immediately. "All law enforcement agencies should support the restoration of elected council officials," Adeleke told reporters.
Adeleke also took aim at the United Bank for Africa over local government accounts. He accused the bank of working with the sacked chairmen on fund management.
According to Adeleke, UBA had previously sworn in court that disputed funds were secure. Yet the bank continued dealing with officials the court had removed from office.
"We insist that UBA must ensure that every kobo of local government fund is secured," he said. He wants signatories appointed by law to manage accounts so workers get paid.
On another matter, Adeleke criticized a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja regarding political party deregistration. He said the decision contradicted an earlier Court of Appeal order.
His legal team has already filed to challenge the Abuja court's judgment. A higher court had previously suspended proceedings on the matter until October.
"We are therefore surprised that the lower court proceeded to act on a matter already acted upon by the higher court," Adeleke noted. He views the ruling as disrespectful to judicial hierarchy.
Despite the setback, Adeleke remains confident about his re-election prospects. His party, the Accord, will appear on the August 15 gubernatorial ballot, he insisted.
"The judgment cannot stand; Accord will be on the ballot, and we will win resoundingly on August 15," he stated firmly. Opposition tactics to derail his candidacy have failed, he added.
Campaign activities are proceeding as planned despite legal challenges. Adeleke announced his flag-off rally would hold on Tuesday.
He called on supporters to turn out in large numbers for the event. "We will not be distracted.
By God's grace and the people's support, continuity shall prevail," he said.
