GOVERNOR of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has directed all residents, including politicians, to stay away from local government secretariats to prevent further bloodshed and protect public assets.
He issued the directive in response to violent clashes allegedly triggered by an attempted takeover by sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors.
Adeleke announced this in a statement posted on his official X.com account on Monday evening.
“Following reports of a failed illegal takeover bid of local government councils in Osun State by the sacked APC chairmen and councillors, I hereby direct all Osun residents, including politicians across all political divides, to stay away from the local government secretariats to protect public properties and avoid further bloodshed,” the governor stated.
The directive comes amid heightened tensions, with members of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) withdrawing their services across the state, effectively shutting down council secretariats.
“This has become necessary, especially as the council secretariats are expected to remain locked due to the service withdrawal announced by NULGE workers across the state,” he added.
Expressing grief over the casualties from the crisis, Adeleke extended his condolences to the families of those affected.
“I extend my condolences to the families of the victims of the APC’s illegal takeover bid and the chaos unleashed across the state by the APC and their hired thugs.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost five members, with several others injured. Two of the deceased were from Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government, two from Ola Oluwa Local Government, and one from Ikire. We must stop further bloodshed”, his statement read.
To restore order and ensure public safety, the governor directed security agencies to take full control of all local government secretariat.
“I have instructed security agencies to secure all local government secretariats. I assure Osun State residents of their safety and the protection of lives and property,” he affirmed.
Eighteen-Eleven Media