Osun Govt Condemns APC, Court-Sacked Chairmen Over ‘Illegal Tenure’ Stance

On Thursday, the Osun State Government declared that any attempt by elected officials to remain in office beyond their lawful tenure while seeking elongation or determination of tenure is illegal and unconstitutional.

Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described as “a rape of democracy” the declaration by the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) and tenure-expired, court-sacked local government chairmen, who vowed to remain in office until the Supreme Court resolves their tenure dispute.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo, Alimi said the APC’s position constitutes an open defiance of the law and democratic norms. “No elected official can extend their tenure unilaterally. The self-awarded tenure of these court-sacked chairmen lapsed on October 22, 2025. They must vacate office while pursuing their legal claims. There is no provision in our constitution that allows a public officer to remain in office to seek tenure elongation,” he emphasized.

He added that the Supreme Court judgement on the matter remains valid, noting that the Attorney General of the Federation had affirmed in an affidavit before the apex court that the chairmen’s tenure officially ended in October 2025.

Alimi also condemned any attempt to rely on personal connections to flout the law. “Being related to the president does not grant immunity from the law or permit the breach of constitutional provisions. We commend pro-democracy groups for their vigilance in this matter,” he said.

The Commissioner further warned that Osun’s democratic space must be safeguarded against “agents of impunity,” stressing that the public must remain vigilant against any attempt to impose brute force over the rule of law.

“The rising involvement of pro-democracy societies is encouraging. What is unfolding in Osun is a rape of democracy that should concern all lovers of freedom and men of goodwill both locally and internationally,” he concluded.