By Kolawole Ojebisi
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has weighed in on the crisis that preceded the local government elections conducted in Osun States on Saturday, urging adherence to the rule of law in resolving differences rather resorting to self-help.
Speaking on Sunday in Osogbo, on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, Makinde advised political actors to learn from history and guard against against heating up the polity through their actions.
The Oyo State governor was joined by his counterpart from Bauchi State Bala Muhammed, who doubles as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, as they attended the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected local government chairmen in Osun.
The PDP Governors’ Forum emphasised the importance of learning from history and avoiding actions that could plunge Osun into crisis.
“Osun should not be turned into a battleground over issues that can be resolved by the judiciary,” Makinde stated.
While addressing the gathering, Makinde reiterated the PDP’s commitment to governance and peace.
“We do not want Wild Wild West. They should stay away from this group. We just want to peacefully deliver dividends to our people,” he said.
The Oyo State governor also warned against any attempts to undermine legal processes.
“Nobody should resort to self-help. Even if you have court judgements, there’s a process. Let the process go through,” he added.
Criticising any potential abuse of federal influence, Makinde stated, “You cannot, because you have so-called federal might, want to undermine the process. This is a federal arrangement.”
Calling on the APC to allow peace to reign in Osun, Makinde insisted that legal procedures must be followed in addressing grievances.
“If anybody has a judgment, there is a procedure for enforcement of court decisions. It is illegal to resort to self-help,” he said.
The statement comes amid growing political tensions in Osun. Concluding his remarks, Makinde congratulated the newly sworn-in council chairmen.
