Adeleke Urges FG to Release Withheld Osun LG Allocations Immediately

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on the federal government to immediately release the local government allocations owed to the state, insisting there is no legal justification for the continued withholding of the funds.

In a post shared on X on Wednesday, Adeleke expressed appreciation to the Osun Council of Obas, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and what he described as “other lovers of justice” for their support in demanding the release of the withheld allocations. He argued that the funds belong to the people and should be handed over to the duly elected chairpersons without further delay.

Adeleke’s appeal comes months after a controversial local government election was conducted in the state on February 22, 2025. Despite warnings from the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) proceeded with the elections. Fagbemi had advised the state government to halt the process, citing a ruling by the Court of Appeal which overturned the earlier judgment that had sacked the former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairpersons.

The elections were held amid political tension, violence, and legal disputes. Both the APC and the Labour Party boycotted the exercise, describing it as unlawful. Following the polls, the APC petitioned the federal government, urging it to suspend Osun’s local government allocations on the grounds that the elections violated existing court orders.

In his statement, Adeleke maintained that the OSSIEC elections were valid and lawful. He insisted that the PDP-elected chairpersons are the legitimate leaders of the local councils. He also emphasized that the removal of the former APC chairmen was a result of a court ruling, not executive interference, countering claims made by the opposition.

Describing the continued withholding of the funds as unjustifiable, Adeleke said the NBA’s recent statement further affirms that the state acted within the law. He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government to act swiftly in resolving the matter and to release Osun’s local government funds.

Adeleke reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, due process, and protecting the democratic rights of the people of Osun State.