Osun LG Crisis: Police Urge Calm, Warn Against Self-Help After Court Judgment

The Osun State Police Command has called for calm among residents and political stakeholders following the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Osogbo on the lingering local government leadership dispute in the state.

The Command said it had observed growing tension in the aftermath of the ruling and was closely monitoring developments, including the actions, statements, and activities of parties involved in the matter.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, the police emphasised that the enforcement of court judgments must follow due legal processes, including the right of appeal where applicable.

According to the statement, the rule of law remains the bedrock of democracy, and all parties must adhere strictly to established legal procedures in pursuing the implementation of court decisions.

The Command warned against any attempt to resort to self-help or take actions outside the legal framework, noting that such conduct could threaten the peace and stability enjoyed in the state.

“The Command will not tolerate lawlessness or extrajudicial actions capable of disrupting the existing peace in Osun State,” the statement said.

The police urged political actors, their supporters, and members of the public to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that any grievances arising from the judgment should be addressed through recognized judicial and legal channels.

To forestall any breakdown of law and order, the Command disclosed that security personnel had been placed on heightened alert across the state.

It also warned that decisive action would be taken against individuals or groups found engaging in activities capable of disturbing public peace or violating the law.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining security across the state and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.

The appeal follows renewed tension over the control of local government councils in Osun State. While the state government has sought police protection for chairmen elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to enable them resume office, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned against enforcing the court judgment while an appeal process remains pending.

In a letter dated June 18, 2026, counsel to the Osun State Government and the local government councils, Oluwabusola Oluwaniyi, requested police protection for officials elected during the February 22, 2025 local government election to facilitate their resumption at council secretariats