Osun LGAs: The People and the Judiciary as the Last Line of Defence Against Bad Governance

Osun State is currently witnessing a crisis in its 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs), a situation that has left communities struggling and ordinary citizens at the mercy of political disputes.

The ongoing conflict over control of Local Government secretariats and leadership has disrupted essential services, stalled development projects, and created uncertainty for residents.

In such times, the role of Local Governments, the people, and the judiciary becomes more critical than ever. The Local Government is intended to be the frontline of governance, bringing administration closer to the people. When functioning properly, Local Governments ensure access to primary healthcare, education, infrastructure, and community services. But when Local Government operations are paralysed by disputes or political interference, citizens are the first to feel the impact.

This is why active citizen engagement is indispensable. Residents must monitor Local Government activities, demand transparency, and hold leaders to account. The people’s involvement is a vital check on mismanagement and corruption. Silence or apathy only allows bad governance to thrive, leaving communities without access to basic services and development.

Equally important is the judiciary. Courts act as the last line of defence for citizens, enforcing the rule of law when Local Governments fail to deliver. In Osun, legal interventions have been crucial in resolving disputes over Local Government leadership, interpreting local government laws, and ensuring that elected officials operate within their mandate. For the common man, the judiciary represents a safeguard, a place to seek justice and enforce accountability.

When these three pillars—Local Governments, citizens, and the judiciary—function together, governance becomes responsive and effective. Local Government becomes the “last home” for the common man: a place where his voice is heard, his rights are protected, and services are delivered. But when any pillar falters, governance collapses, and citizens suffer.

The crisis in Osun’s LGAs is a stark reminder that democracy at the grassroots requires vigilance. It calls on Local Governments to act responsibly, citizens to remain engaged, and the judiciary to uphold justice. Only through the alignment of these forces can the common man find security, fairness, and development in his Local Government—the very essence of what LGAs are meant to provide.

There are hard facts the public must confront. Legal contests and conflicting rulings since the 15 October 2022 Local Government elections have produced a prolonged administrative paralysis. The APC, despite the statutory tenure ending on 22 October 2025, has refused to vacate all Local Government offices. This has resulted in secretariats being locked, workers unable to perform duties, budgets frozen, and projects abandoned.

The APC’s actions have deprived ordinary Osun residents of essential services. Clinics are left non-functional, schools and roads are neglected, and community development is halted. This deliberate prolonging of administrative control for political advantage is unacceptable. Governance must serve the people, not partisan interests.

Courts remain the rightful arena to settle these disputes. The Supreme Court has not yet delivered a final determination on all outstanding issues. While the legal process runs its course, existing lower-court orders and interim rulings must be respected and enforced. Judgments without enforcement are hollow; state institutions, including security agencies and administrative bodies, must act without delay to restore lawful administration, protect public servants, and ensure allocations reach the rightful Local Governments.

Where evidence of unlawful conduct exists — unlawful occupation, intimidation, interference with public staff, or diversion of funds — those acts must be investigated and prosecuted. Accountability must be even-handed and swift. Civil society and professional bodies in Osun have already called for clarity, transparency, and a speedy return to normalcy; their demands are reasonable and necessary.

The people of Osun cannot be collateral damage in a partisan tug-of-war. Communities must document the impact of the paralysis, press for transparency on the handling of Local Government funds, and demand immediate restoration of services. The judiciary must be allowed to do its work, and its orders must be enforced. State institutions must protect the rule of law rather than shield unlawful acts.

We call on all responsible actors to put the welfare of the citizen above partisan interest. The remedy is clear: enforce the law, restore legitimate Local Governments, release stalled funds to revive services, and investigate any abuses of office. Only then will Local Government return to its purpose — serving the common man.

We remain confident that, once the legal process concludes and court orders are enforced, normality and service delivery will be restored.

“The tenure of the APC in the Local Government ended on 22 October 2025, and offices held beyond this date ought to have been handed over immediately.”

We call on all Osun residents to exercise patience and remain steadfast. Justice will prevail, and the people’s mandate will be honoured, bringing the promised benefits of democracy to every citizen.

At the end of the tunnel there will be light.

GOD Bless Osun State.
GOD Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.