The House of Representatives has urged the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services to intervene and restore peace in Osun State following violent clashes that resulted in the deaths of approximately six individuals.
On Monday, chaos erupted as dismissed local government chairmen and councillors attempted to reclaim their offices, facing opposition from supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party. Members of the All Progressives Congress sought to implement a recent Court of Appeal ruling that reversed their earlier dismissal by the Osogbo Federal High Court.
The situation escalated as PDP supporters mobilized at council secretariats, leading to violent confrontations with APC members, resulting in fatalities and significant property damage across various local government areas.
In response to this urgent situation, a motion was introduced by the state caucus in the House, with Bamidele Salam representing the affected Federal Constituency, emphasizing the need for governmental action to prevent further escalation of violence.
Salam highlighted that the unrest stemmed from attempts by previously dismissed officials to regain control, stating, “Violence has erupted in multiple areas due to attempts by these officials to forcefully take over local government administrations without a legal basis.” He noted the alarming potential for a breakdown of order if the self-help actions of political figures are not addressed.
The Governor of Osun State had previously raised concerns regarding the growing threat to state security, calling for proactive measures from law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the House expressed apprehension that continued unrest could lead to widespread chaos unless immediate action is taken.
With strong bipartisan support, the House, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, called on security leaders to restore order and ensure the safety of residents throughout the state. Additionally, the Speaker announced the formation of an ad-hoc committee chaired by former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase to investigate the ongoing crisis and propose necessary measures for resolution.
