CSOs Issue 7-Day Ultimatum to Tinubu, AGF Over ‘Illegal Occupants’ in Osun LG Councils
Abuja, Nigeria — A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by the Transparency Centre Network (TCN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), demanding the removal of alleged illegal occupants from local government council secretariats in Osun State.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the National Executive Director of TCN, Comrade Ahmed Ayuba, said the ultimatum follows a Court of Appeal judgment which declared the current occupants—purportedly elected under the previous Gboyega Oyetola-led administration—illegitimate.
“Today, we raise our voices not in partisanship, but in defense of the Nigerian Constitution and the sanctity of our judiciary,” Ayuba said. “The Appeal Court ruled clearly that the local government elections conducted by the past administration were illegal and unconstitutional.”
According to Ayuba, despite the ruling, the All Progressives Congress (APC) officials affected have refused to vacate their positions, continuing to operate in defiance of the court’s decision.
“This brazen usurpation of public office is not just shameful—it is unconstitutional, criminal, and unsustainable,” he added. “Their continued presence desecrates the judiciary and undermines democratic governance.”
The CSO leader aligned with prominent legal luminary Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), who also condemned the refusal to obey the court order, warning that such executive lawlessness threatens the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.
Ayuba emphasized that Section 287(2) of the 1999 Constitution mandates all persons and authorities, including the President and the AGF, to enforce decisions of the Court of Appeal.
“What message is President Tinubu sending if he tolerates disobedience to court rulings by members of his own party?” he asked. “The AGF’s silence in the face of this judicial defiance is equally troubling.”
TCN warned that failure to comply within seven days will trigger a nationwide protest, targeting the Office of the Attorney General in Abuja. The protest, Ayuba said, would involve civil society groups, student unions, professional bodies, and concerned citizens.
“This will not be a symbolic protest. It will be a full-scale peaceful demonstration to demand justice and defend the integrity of our judiciary,” he declared. “We will not allow local government institutions to become outposts of political conquest.”
The coalition described the issue as a national emergency, warning that disregard for judicial authority sets a dangerous precedent that could unravel constitutional governance across the country.
