Olusegun Adeyemo
Residents across Osun State have called on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt the spirit of sportsmanship in resolving the lingering local government administration crisis in the state.
In a series of telephone interviews with The Journal Nigeria correspondent, citizens from different parts of Osun expressed concerns about the negative impact the crisis is having on grassroots development and access to basic amenities.
Mrs. Kudirat Adebayo, a school teacher in Ilesa, said the standoff between the two major political parties is denying local communities access to essential services.
“Our roads are bad, healthcare centers are not working, and yet what we hear every day is political disagreement. PDP and APC should put the people first and settle this matter peacefully,” she said.
Mr. Samuel Oyetola, a farmer from Ejigbo, stressed that the political deadlock has delayed local government interventions in agriculture and rural development.
“We rely on local government for farming support, fertilizers, and water projects. But all that has stopped because politicians are fighting. They need to act responsibly,” he said.
From Ede, Miss Ruth Alade, a small business owner, lamented the lack of attention to market sanitation and waste management.
“Refuse is piling up everywhere. We used to have LG officials handle these things, but since the crisis started, they’ve abandoned their duties. Let them resolve their differences and think of the people,” she urged.
In Osogbo, the state capital, Mr. Jamiu Bello, a retired civil servant, called for dialogue and maturity from political leaders.
“Both parties should remember that democracy is about service, not personal gain. If there’s a disagreement, let the law take its course without disturbing the lives of ordinary citizens,” he advised.
The crisis reportedly stems from disputes over the legitimacy of certain local council leaderships, with both parties making conflicting claims.
Political analysts have warned that prolonged political instability at the grassroots level could hinder development and erode public trust in governance.
Residents, however, remain hopeful that both the PDP and APC will prioritize peace and governance over party politics in the coming days.
