By Ayomide Otitoju
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called for the immediate release of over ₦130 billion in statutory allocations reportedly withheld from the state’s local governments, warning that the blockade is crippling grassroots governance and causing hardship for workers and residents.
In a statewide broadcast on Monday, Adeleke addressed the illegal occupation of local government secretariats by court-sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors, who he said have unlawfully remained in office for nearly a year despite Federal High Court and Court of Appeal rulings nullifying their elections.
“The court removed them, not my administration,” Adeleke said, noting that fresh local government elections were conducted in line with court orders, leading to the swearing-in of duly elected officials on February 23, 2025.
The governor accused former Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola of supporting the continued occupation with police backing, alleging that local government workers attempting to resume duty were harassed by armed officers and political thugs.
Adeleke emphasized that the withheld funds, amounting to about ₦130 billion since February 2025, are critical for paying salaries of primary school teachers, nurses, health workers across 332 primary health care centres, council staff, traditional councils, and retirees. He said the state government has been forced to make painful financial sacrifices to sustain salaries for nearly a year, describing the situation as unsustainable.
He also accused the United Bank for Africa (UBA) of permitting unauthorized persons to access local government accounts, stating that senior bank officials involved are facing criminal prosecution. “Would such actions be tolerated in New York or London?” Adeleke questioned.
Appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for federal intervention, the governor said the President was not involved in the alleged illegality but urged him to ensure the release of funds and protect democratic institutions. “There is no provision in our Constitution for tenure elongation,” he said, framing the crisis as a choice between constitutional order and impunity.
Adeleke called on Nigerians and democracy advocates to demand an end to the illegal occupation of council offices and the immediate release of local government funds. He also urged residents to remain peaceful and assured them of his administration’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and safeguarding public welfare.
