Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced a restriction on vehicular movement from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday as the state conducts its local government election.
A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and obtained by Chronicle NG in Osogbo on Friday, instructed security agencies to enforce the restriction while allowing only voters, accredited media, and civil society organisations to move freely.
The statement read, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered restriction of vehicular movement from 5 am to 5 pm on Saturday 22nd February 2022 across Osun state.
“The directive of the State Governor was sequel to the statewide local government elections that are scheduled to be held tomorrow across the state.
“Governor Adeleke who reiterated his commitment to peace and security said the movement restriction is necessary to prevent importation of hoodlums into the state amidst local elections.
“He therefore directed security agencies to enforce the restriction and only allow voters and accredited media and civil society organisations for the continued peace and security of Osun State.”
The election comes amid heightened political tension between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The dispute follows a Court of Appeal judgment concerning the dismissal of APC local government chairmen and councillors.
While the PDP asserts that the February 10 ruling by the Court of Appeal in Akure did not reinstate the sacked APC officials elected in 2022, the APC insists that its members have the right to resume office.
Tensions escalated on Monday when both parties attempted to take control of local government secretariats across the state. The police confirmed that six people were killed, and several others sustained injuries during the violence.
