ADELEKE’S GOVERNMENT UNDER SIEGE: THE ILLEGAL WITHHOLDING OF OSUN LG FUNDS

 ADELEKE’S GOVERNMENT UNDER SIEGE: THE ILLEGAL WITHHOLDING OF OSUN LG FUNDS


By Dr. Akinlooye Sarafadeen Olatunde



The government of Senator Ademola Adeleke in Osun State is presently under intense frustration and systemic attacks orchestrated through the seizure of local government allocations, violations of judicial processes, and violent disruptions led by opposition figures. Despite the governor’s commitment to infrastructural development, workers’ welfare, and grassroots empowerment, his administration faces deliberate obstacles because the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) controls the federal system.


The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), traditional rulers across Yorubaland, and civil society groups have appealed to the Federal Government for intervention. Yet, the silence from Abuja has raised concerns about selective justice and constitutional abuse. What is happening in Osun today mirrors the historic struggle of Lagos State under Bola Ahmed Tinubu when his administration suffered illegal fund seizures. Tinubu eventually overcame and emerged stronger. By that same historical precedent, Governor Adeleke is expected to triumph and come out even more resolute.


SEVEN TAKEAWAYS FROM NBA’S LETTER TO THE AGF ON WITHHELD OSUN LG FUNDS


1. Immediate Release of Funds: The NBA has urged the Federal Government to release Osun’s local government allocations without further delay, stressing that continued withholding lacks legal justification.


2. Constitutional Violation: According to the Association, withholding allocations breaches Sections 7 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution, violates the rule of law, and undermines judicial pronouncements affirming LG financial autonomy.


3. Judicial Authority: The Supreme Court, in cases such as A.G. Lagos State v. A.G. Federation (2004), already ruled that the President has no power to withhold statutory allocations to local governments. The present action against Osun State is therefore unlawful.


4. Court Judgements on Osun LG Elections: Multiple judgments—at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, and Osun State High Court—have invalidated the APC’s 2022 local government elections and upheld the PDP’s February 2025 victory. This confirms PDP officials as the only legitimate officeholders entitled to receive LG funds.


5. Dangerous Precedent: The NBA warns that ignoring these clear judgments undermines democracy, erodes public confidence in institutions, and encourages lawlessness.


6. NBA’s Position: The Association categorically affirms that only the PDP Chairmen and Councillors, duly elected and sworn in February 2025, are legally empowered to administer Osun LGAs and access their statutory allocations.


7. Next Steps: The NBA pledges to engage stakeholders—including the FG, Osun State Government, National Assembly, and ALGON—and, if necessary, file a public interest suit to stop what it calls a “wanton violation” of the Constitution and court orders.


A CALL FOR STEADFASTNESS


This crisis is not just about Osun State; it is about safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic framework. If the Constitution and Supreme Court rulings can be so blatantly ignored, then federalism itself is endangered. Governor Adeleke and Osun PDP chieftains must remain steadfast and prayerful. The people’s mandate must not be hijacked by political desperation.


In 2026, Osun will return to the polls. With resilience, focus, and divine guidance, Senator Ademola Adeleke will not only overcome these turbulent times but also lead the PDP to a stronger and more decisive victory.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BREAKING NEWS LG Poll: Osun Govt Vindicated as APC Withdraws Reinstatement /No-Vacancy Suit at Federal High Court

Image
  BREAKING NEWS LG Poll: Osun Govt Vindicated as APC Withdraws Reinstatement /No-Vacancy Suit at Federal High Court Amidst Supreme Court ruling on local government election, Osun state chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has hurriedly filed a notice of discontinuance on its case seeking declaration that there is no vacancy at the local government level and a reinstatement of its Yes/No Chairmen. The case filed before the local government election sought a declaration and an order that there is no vacancy and so local government elections should not be held in Osun state. The case was ongoing when the Supreme Court ruled that the Rivers state local government election was illegally conducted and therefore null and void. The Court had held that the election in Rivers was conducted without complying with the letters of the electoral act which stipulates one year notice of election.  The APC had filed the case relying on the Court of Appeal ruling in Akure which had no c...
Read more

Re: Death by Hanging for Stealing fowl. Upholding the Integrity of the Judiciary and Setting the Record Straight on the Conviction of Olowookere Segun and Morakinyo Sunday

Image
 Re: Death by Hanging for Stealing fowl. Upholding the Integrity of the Judiciary and Setting the Record Straight on the Conviction of Olowookere Segun and Morakinyo Sunday By: .... Akinwole Olasubomi A. The Osun State Government's recent consideration of the prerogative of mercy for convicted individuals has drawn significant attention and have invariably stirred public opinion based on incomplete or misleading narratives. While this action demonstrates the government’s commitment to exercising compassion and upholding constitutional provisions, it is imperative that such privilege is not misinterpreted or misused to distort the sanctity of judicial decisions. Misleading narratives aimed at undermining the judiciary not only threaten public trust but also obscure the real facts surrounding this case. The Osun State Government deserves commendation for its thoughtful approach to this matter, particularly its willingness to consider clemency in light of the convicts' circumstanc...
Read more

The Action Peoples Party's Judgement is a judgement in Rem which binds on everyone in the State --- Osun Attorney General, Jimi- Bada

Image
  The Action Peoples Party's Judgement is a judgement in Rem which binds on everyone in the State --- Osun Attorney General, Jimi- Bada In the wake of the widely publicized and extensively debated judgment of the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, concerning the dismissed local government chairmen and councilors in Osun State, it is imperative to provide a precise and well-articulated clarification. The High Court had previously nullified their election, citing egregious irregularities and a brazen disregard for the meticulously established electoral guidelines set forth by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC). Given the latest judicial pronouncement, I earnestly appeal for calm and restraint, as no explicit court order has been issued to impede or obstruct the seamless conduct of the forthcoming local government election. To offer a comprehensive background, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had initially instituted legal proceedings, vehemently challenging the ...
Read more