The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has announced the postponement of the National Council for Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy meeting, initially scheduled to take place in Osun State from February 25 to 27, 2025.
The decision follows rising political tensions in the state, triggered by the ongoing local government elections.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the postponement through an internal memo titled ‘Urgent Action Against Hosting of National Council for Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy from 24-27 February 2025, in Osun State’.
The memo, directed to State Commissioners, Directors of MDAs, and key stakeholders, cited the current political unrest in Osun State as the primary reason for the delay.
“With reference to the above, I wish to bring to your notice the current tense situation in Osun State stemmed from political unrest and uproar in view of the ongoing local government elections,” the memo read.
The memo further informed the recipients that the meeting would be rescheduled to a later date, which would be communicated in due course. It concluded by expressing regret for any inconvenience caused by the change in plans: “Any inconvenience(s) caused is highly regretted, please.”
In light of this, the Ministry urged all stakeholders to circulate the updated information to relevant parties to ensure widespread awareness of the change.
The postponement coincides with significant political developments in Osun State, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured a sweeping victory in the local government elections on Saturday.
The PDP won all 30 chairmanship and 332 councillorship seats across the state’s local councils, as confirmed by the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Hashim Abioye, at a press briefing in Osogbo.
Governor Ademola Adeleke subsequently inaugurated the newly elected local government officials on Sunday, urging them to focus on delivering good governance while warning against attempts to forcibly occupy council secretariats.
The political situation and local government elections have led to heightened tensions, contributing to the decision to postpone the meeting, ensuring that safety and order are prioritised.
A new date for the National Council meeting will be announced once the situation stabilises.
