Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON)

Amid the ongoing crisis over the control of local government councils in Osun State, the national body of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has officially recognized the reinstated chairmen, who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the legitimate executives of the 30 councils.

The controversy stems from an Appeal Court verdict that purportedly reinstated the APC-led council executives, who were removed shortly after their election in 2022. However, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) conducted another election on February 22, 2025, in which candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious.

This has led to confusion, with two factions of ALGON in Osun State—one aligned with the APC and the other with the PDP—both claiming authority over the councils.

In a letter dated March 17, 2025, the national ALGON, through its Acting Director General, Evan Enekwe, on behalf of National President Bello Lawal, affirmed its recognition of the reinstated APC chairmen. The letter, made available to reporters by Osun State APC ALGON Chairman, Idowu Abiodun (Ifedayo Local Government), was titled: “Re: Court of Appeal Judgment Delivered on 10th February 2025; Appeal to Local Government Workers in Osun to Resume Work.”

The letter stated: “I am directed to inform you that ALGON leadership has been keenly following political developments as they affect local government councils in Osun State. We condemn the unnecessary and wanton destruction of lives and property, most especially the death of Hon. Abbas, a member of ALGON.

“We extend our condolences and pray against such occurrences. ALGON is a law-abiding association that believes in the rule of law and consequently will uphold the decision of the Court of Appeal, which reinstated you and your peers as the legal council chairmen in Osun State. ALGON will recognize you as such.”

The national ALGON also called for caution, tolerance, and maturity in handling the crisis to prevent further escalation of tensions in the state.