***Says, he Lacks Power to Halt LG Elections

A civil society organization, the Osun Democrats for Democracy (ODD), has strongly criticized the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, for allegedly overstepping his constitutional boundaries in the ongoing Osun Local Government crisis.
The group asserted that Fagbemi, as a legal officer, is neither a court of law nor empowered to halt elections or interpret judicial rulings.
In a statement signed by its Legal Adviser, Adewale Fowora, and made available to journalists on Thursday, the group accused Fagbemi of bias and conflict of interest, citing his past role as legal counsel to former Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
ODD expressed shock that a supposed Chief Law Officer of the Federation would intervene in a politically sensitive matter in which he has a personal stake.
“The AGF should have recused himself from this matter. He is not a neutral arbiter and lacks the authority to stop an election or interpret court judgments. Only a court of law has the power to halt an election, clarify its rulings, or enforce its decisions.”
The group further argued that disputes over judicial rulings should be resolved by the courts, not by executive fiat.
“When there is disagreement over a judgment, the proper legal process is for the affected parties to seek interpretation from the issuing court. The AGF has no constitutional mandate to usurp the role of the judiciary or encourage self-help tactics,” the statement added.
ODD also criticized Fagbemi for ignoring a crucial court ruling by the APP, which had previously nullified the candidacies of APC council aspirants.
According to the group, the Akure appeal ruling did not overturn the subsisting APP judgment, making the AGF’s intervention selective and politically motivated.
“Why did the AGF fail to acknowledge the APP judgment? The ruling at Akure did not vacate the APP decision, which remains binding. His statements reflect a clear bias in favor of the APC candidates.”
The group further questioned the sources of information used by Fagbemi, accusing him of misrepresenting legal facts and promoting self-help measures that undermine the rule of law.
“Who provided the AGF with his flawed legal analysis? Why did he not seek clarification from the original courts? A whole Attorney General should not be seen supporting unlawful actions by political actors.”
Despite the controversy, ODD urged the Osun State government to proceed with the local government election scheduled for Saturday, dismissing Fagbemi’s statement as a political move with no legal standing.
“The AGF is not a court and cannot assume judicial powers. His interference is politically motivated and should be disregarded. The election must proceed as planned.”
The Osun LG election crisis has continued to generate heated debate, with stakeholders divided over the legal and political implications of recent court rulings. However, the ODD insists that only the courts, not the AGF, can determine the legality of the election process.

The Chairman of Owo South Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Shehu Lawalson, has commended His Royal Majesty, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo, the Ojomoluda of Ijebu-Owo Kingdom, for his unwavering commitment to the development of Owo South LCDA and the overall progress of Ondo State.
A statement by the Media Aide, Olubunmi Babatunde quoted Hon. Lawalson to have made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the monarch’s palace in Ijebu-Owo on Monday, where he was accompanied by members of the LCDA’s executive committee.
He also delivered goodwill messages from Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami, praising the monarch’s long-standing service to the community and his contribution to peace and development.

The LCDA Chairman highlighted the role played by Oba Oladoyinbo during the last elections, noting how the Kabiyesi mobilized support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which contributed to the party’s success at the polls.

“Kabiyesi has demonstrated visionary leadership and has been instrumental in the creation and development of Owo South LCDA,” Lawalson said. “His efforts in strengthening the political and infrastructural fabric of Ijebu-Owo have been remarkable, and we are grateful for his enduring service.”

The Chairman further requested the use of a hall owned by the monarch, located near the Federal Medical Centre Annex, to serve as a temporary office space for the LCDA. The Kabiyesi graciously granted the request.

Oba Oladoyinbo, while responding, urged the LCDA executives to work together in the early stages of the council’s establishment, stressing the importance of building a strong foundation for future growth. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the re-election of Governor Aiyedatiwa and Deputy Governor Adelami in the forthcoming elections.

The visit concluded with the LCDA executive expressing their appreciation for Kabiyesi’s support, promising to maintain close collaboration with the palace to drive the council’s development agenda.

By Vincent Igbawua & Jeremiah Kaltungu, Abuja.

The race for the chairmanship of Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State has taken an unexpected turn as caretaker Chairman, Mr. Neji Vitalis, reportedly purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms for a total of five million naira (N5m).

This development occurred towards the end of the sale of forms for the upcoming local government elections in Benue State. However, political observers familiar with the dynamics in Kwande have expressed surprise at Hon. Neji’s move, noting that the zoning arrangement within the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not favor him.

According to these sources, the APC has zoned the chairmanship to the Turan area of Kwande, specifically narrowing it down to Yaav ward. Neji Vitalis, who is from Shangev-ya, is aware of this zoning but was allegedly influenced by ‘or u maan tea a CJN’ to enter the race, introducing a new and unexpected element to the political contest.

Another insider, who requested anonymity, suggested that this move is part of a larger scheme orchestrated by Mr. Moses Ternenge, also from Shangev-ya. Ternenge is said to be dragging the name of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, into the controversy.

The source revealed that on Thursday, September 29, a meeting of select Kwande APC leaders was held at Green Belt Hotel in Makurdi, initiated by Mr. Ternenge. During this meeting, five people from each council ward in Kwande were clandestinely selected, and it is believed that the current political maneuvering is a direct result of that gathering. Ternenge is alleged to have brought in Hon. Neji Vitalis as the caretaker chairman and purchased the forms for Mr. Jeff Sundah Iortsor, a civil servant from Abuja, who hails from Yaav council, where the chairmanship is zoned.

The source further explained that Jeff Sundah Iortsor is closely aligned with Hon. Terlumun Akputu and Moses Ternenge, with Ternenge favoring Jeff due to his familial connections. This alignment is seen as an attempt by Ternenge to ensure Jeff’s success in the race.

A young man familiar with the ongoing political strategy, identified only as Mr. Torhide, suggested two possible reasons for Neji Vitalis’ involvement: either to split votes at the primary election, ensuring Jeff’s victory, or to gather votes for Jeff, with Neji stepping down in his favor at the last moment.

The plan, according to Torhide, is backed by Hon. Bem Tseen, a close ally of Moses Ternenge, who has been involved in the candidate screening process to disqualify potential threats to Jeff’s candidacy. Bem Tseen is also rumored to have plans to position his wife as the vice-chairmanship candidate alongside Neji Vitalis if the plan succeeds.

As the screening of candidates begins today in Makurdi, the situation remains tense, with many watching closely to see how the political drama in Kwande will unfold. Despite repeated attempts, our correspondent was only able to reach Hon. Imoter Richard Nomkpo, a candidate from Yaav council ward, who expressed confidence in his strategy to win the race and vowed to deliver on his promises if elected.