On February 17, 2025, gunfire erupted at the Osogbo Central Local Government Area in Osun State, as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed while attempting to access the council secretariat. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a man covered in blood engaged in a struggle with another individual believed to be affiliated with one of the parties.
During the chaos, the Osogbo/Ibokun Road, which runs in front of the local government secretariat, was deserted. Armed police were stationed at the entrance, trying to maintain order as sporadic gunfire caused panic among nearby residents.
In the Atakumosa West Local Government Secretariat, former Osun State House of Assembly member Festus Komolafe led elected APC officials into the premises, although they departed shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, in the Egbedore Local Government Secretariat in Awo, PDP members were seen brandishing canes and challenging APC members to approach.
Earlier in the day, APC officials who had been elected during the local government elections on October 15, 2022, resumed duties at the Boripe Local Government Secretariat in Iragbiji. However, tensions escalated when APC members attempted to take control of the Olorunda Local Government Secretariat in Igbona, Osogbo, only to be met with resistance.
As our correspondent arrived at the Olorunda LGA secretariat around 9:20 AM, armed police were present at the junction leading to the premises, dispersing gathered APC members. Officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and members of the Amotekun Corps were also on-site, attempting to calm agitated PDP members who had barricaded the entrance.
The gate remained locked, preventing anyone from entering. Two individuals attempting to record the incident from a nearby building were reportedly assaulted, and their phones were damaged. Tensions heightened as hoodlums wielding charms targeted individuals trying to document the situation.
Addressing PDP members outside the secretariat, Osun State Commissioner for Rural Development, Gani Olaoluwa, urged them to remain peaceful, stating, “We won’t allow any illegal takeover here. No court judgment restored them.” The situation remains volatile as both parties continue to contest their positions within the local government structure.
