Osun State Governor, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, has called for the immediate release of over N130 billion in statutory allocations withheld from the state’s local governments. The governor warned that the continued blockade is severely impacting grassroots governance, causing hardship for workers and residents.
The dispute stems from a long-standing issue over control of council secretariats, which has prompted calls for federal intervention. According to Governor Adeleke, the occupation of council offices by certain individuals is unlawful and damaging to local administration. He cited court rulings, including judgments from the Federal High Court in Osogbo and the Court of Appeal, which nullified the tenure of certain All Progressives Congress chairmen and councillors.
The governor explained that fresh local government elections were conducted in line with existing court orders, resulting in the inauguration of new chairmen and councillors on February 23, 2025. However, the current occupants of the secretariats have refused to vacate, preventing duly elected officials and workers from carrying out their duties. Adeleke alleged that attempts by council staff to resume work have been met with intimidation, including the deployment of armed police officers and political thugs.
The non-release of local government allocations, totaling over N130 billion since February 2025, is at the center of the dispute. These funds are meant for essential services, including primary school teachers, health workers, council employees, traditional councils, and retirees. The state government has been sourcing alternative funds to pay salaries for nearly a year, but Governor Adeleke noted that this measure is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.
The governor also accused the United Bank for Africa of permitting unauthorized access to local government accounts, stating that senior officials of the bank are facing criminal prosecution. He questioned whether such actions would be tolerated in other jurisdictions where the bank operates.
Governor Adeleke appealed directly to the Federal Government, calling on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the immediate release of the withheld allocations. He emphasized that there is no provision in the Constitution for tenure elongation and that the situation poses a test between constitutional order and impunity. The governor urged residents of Osun State to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that his administration will continue to uphold the Constitution and protect their welfare. The release of the withheld funds is crucial to restoring grassroots governance and alleviating the suffering of workers and residents in Osun State.
