Osun Local Government allocations remain withheld despite court rulings, as Governor Adeleke, NBA, and traditionalists demand constitutional compliance
Osun Local Government allocations remain withheld by the Federal Government, despite mounting legal, traditional, and civic pressure demanding their release.
Also read: Osun State Security Funding Policy gets Adeleke’s Pledge
Governor Ademola Adeleke has renewed calls for the funds, describing the continued seizure as unconstitutional and unjust.
Backed by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), traditional rulers, and legal icons, Adeleke insisted that Abuja must comply with judicial rulings and constitutional provisions guaranteeing local government autonomy and access to statutory allocations.
In a strongly worded letter to the Attorney General of the Federation, the NBA leadership declared the FG’s withholding of Osun LG funds illegal, citing Supreme Court precedents.
The association stressed that President Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to suspend or deny local government funds.
“The NBA has authenticated our position,” said Adeleke on Wednesday.
“I commend their courage and clarity in setting up an investigative committee and releasing a report that confirms our rightful claim.”
The NBA also confirmed that Governor Adeleke had no role in the 2022 sack of APC local government chairmen, as it was a court decision.
The PDP later swept the February 2025 LG elections, which the Court of Appeal upheld.
At the Isese Festival in Osogbo, traditional leaders offered symbolic prayers and kolanut divinations that predicted Adeleke’s triumph in the ongoing tussle.
The rituals, led by Kayode Olagunju, were interpreted as a divine endorsement of the governor’s position.
“Ifa gave a warning. Ifa says the government will win but must show gratitude to Isese,” said Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, president of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association.
Special Adviser on Culture, Alex Oloke, added, “This prayer, because it involves nature, moves faster than fasting. Victory is sure.”
However, the Osun APC condemned the NBA’s intervention as “needless,” arguing that the lawyers’ body had no locus standi to interpret court judgments or engage in the matter.
The party described the NBA’s position as “shameful,” warning it could mislead the public.
“The NBA is not a court. It cannot invent legal terms like ‘tacit recognition’ to justify political positions,” said APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal.
Legal analysts say the NBA’s argument holds weight, especially referencing the 2004 Supreme Court ruling in AG Lagos v. AG Federation, which affirms the illegality of denying LG allocations.
Adeleke stressed, “By law, PDP chairmen are the legitimate local government leaders. Withholding their funds is a violation of the constitution and the rule of law.”
Governor Adeleke appealed again to the Federal Government to release the withheld funds, praising supporters like Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Jibrin Okutepa (SAN).
“We will continue to use the courts and due process. This is about justice,” he concluded.
Also read: Governor Adeleke’s Travel Spending Sparks Controversy Over Misleading Report
The NBA warned it may pursue legal action if dialogue fails and has activated its Litigation Committee and Section on Public Interest and Development Law to push for resolution.
