Osun LG Caretaker Executives Resign En Masse After Supreme Court Autonomy Ruling

In response to the recent landmark Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to local governments across Nigeria, all 401 caretaker chairmen and members overseeing Osun State’s 62 local governments and council development areas have tendered their resignations. This mass resignation occurred on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in local governance dynamics in the state.

The Caretaker Chairman of Odo-Otin Local Government Area, Okuku, Adewale Adeyinka, articulated his decision in a letter addressed to Governor Ademola Adeleke, emphasizing a commitment to democratic principles. In his statement, Adeyinka pledged ongoing support for the community’s development beyond his tenure.

The Supreme Court ruling stipulates that only duly elected officials can administer local governments, effectively nullifying the appointments of caretaker committees by state governors. This legal directive mandates that any local government under caretaker administration risks losing its Federation Account allocation.

Former Chairman of the Osun State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Mr. Sarafadeen Awotunde, confirmed the resignations, clarifying that all 69 caretaker chairmen and 332 members across the state had stepped down voluntarily. He underscored the legal implications of the Supreme Court’s decision, asserting that caretaker arrangements are now deemed illegal.

In preparation for upcoming local government elections mandated by the ruling, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, affirmed the resignations. He noted that resigning from political office is a prerequisite for participating in party primaries under the revised Electoral Act, setting the stage for a transition to elected local government officials.