By Hon. Comrade James Onifade 
As the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to deliver its long-awaited final judgment on the Osun State local government dispute this Friday, December 5th, the eyes of the entire nation and especially the people of Osun State are firmly fixed on the Bench. This decision, already delayed to the edge of the constitutionally allowed 90-day window, will determine not only the legality of local government leadership in Osun but also the stability of grassroots governance across the state.
For months, uncertainty has clouded the judicial process. The Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development, along with concerned citizens, sought formal clarification from the Supreme Court regarding the judgment date in the case SC/CV/773/2025 – Attorney General of Osun State vs. Attorney General of the Federation. In response, the Court assured the public that the matter remains under active consideration and that a judgement date would be communicated once fixed.
While this reassurance is welcomed, it has not eased the anxiety of citizens who believe that prolonged silence undermines public confidence and disrupts development at the local level. Local government activities have stalled, institutions remain in limbo, and communities have been left waiting for clarity that should rightfully guide governance.
The Judiciary Must Act Within the Law and Without Partiality
The Electoral Act clearly mandates that the Supreme Court must deliver judgment in electoral-related matters within 90 days. This safeguard exists to prevent manipulation, delay tactics, or political interference that may destabilize democratic institutions.
As highlighted in the open letter that I wrote, the Judiciary has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that this judgment arrives within the stipulated timeframe. Nigeria looks to the Supreme Court as the last hope of the common man, firm, unshaken, and committed to fairness.
At this critical juncture, the Court must not only deliver judgement but must be seen to do so without bias, without fear, and without favour.
There are widespread public concerns circulating through community discussions and civic groups that some political actors may attempt to exploit the judgement day for destabilizing purposes. While these allegations are not verified, the mere existence of such fears is dangerous and must be taken seriously by security agencies, civil society, and the public.
Let it be stated clearly that:
• No group or political party must take actions capable of inciting chaos, violence, or unrest in Osun State.
• The peace of Osun State is non-negotiable.
• The will of the people is non-negotiable.
• And the supremacy of the law is non-negotiable.
Any attempt to provoke disorder in hopes of triggering a reaction from citizens or creating conditions for emergency rule would not only be unconstitutional but a direct assault on democracy itself.
This is a serious warning to all actors that Osun people will not be pushed into chaos, violence will not be tolerated,
and democracy will not be derailed.
The Victory Ahead Belongs to the People of Osun
Regardless of political affiliation, this judgement is for the peace, progress, and stability of Osun State. As the saying goes:
“Omo tó bá ya garawa, ẹ̀wọ̀ ló ń lọ.”
The child who carries a basin knows exactly where he is going. The people of Osun know what they want: peace, lawful governance, and development.
A word, indeed, is enough for the wise like I always say and my people know me for that.
As Friday approaches, all stakeholders must uphold peace, obey the law, and respect the judicial process.
The Supreme Court must rise to its duty with integrity and transparency. Political actors must refrain from any actions that could endanger the state.
And citizens must remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.
Osun’s democracy must be protected not through violence, but through justice, fairness, and truth.