The Osun State Government has reacted to a directive from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, urging Governor Ademola Adeleke to halt the planned local government elections in the state.
Fagbemi had earlier advised against proceeding with the elections, citing legal concerns.
He referenced a court decision that nullified the directive used by the governor to remove local government chairmen who were elected under the previous administration.
In response, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters, Nurudeen Kareem, stated that the ruling that removed the former local government officials remains in force unless overturned by a higher court.
He pointed to a Supreme Court judgment reinforcing the principle that court decisions must be upheld at all levels.
Kareem requested that the AGF clarify his stance, particularly in relation to an earlier legal case, emphasizing that due legal processes should be strictly followed.
He added that Osun residents are keen on receiving further explanations regarding the matter.
While acknowledging the AGF’s concerns regarding the PDP’s legal challenge, Kareem highlighted the continued relevance of the APP v. APC case.
He referenced the Federal High Court’s ruling in FHC/OS/CS/103/2022, which was later affirmed by the Court of Appeal on January 13, 2025.
He further asserted that the Federal High Court’s judgment from November 30, 2022, remains legally binding unless overturned by a competent appellate court. Citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in WADA v. BELLO (2016) 17 NWLR PT 1542 433, he emphasized that judicial decisions must be followed across all levels of the judiciary.
Considering the impact of this ruling on the state’s electoral process, Kareem urged the AGF to clarify his legal position.
He noted that both the people of Osun and the wider Nigerian public are eager for a well-defined legal interpretation of the situation.
