NBA report: Adeleke demands FG unblock Osun’s allocation

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has reiterated his request for the Federal Government to release the statutory allocations owed to local governments in the state. He urged the officials in Abuja to listen to the Nigerian Bar Association and other involved parties who have labeled the ongoing withholding of funds as unconstitutional.

In response to the support from the NBA, the Council of Obas in Osun, and other civic organizations, Adeleke commended their bravery in advocating for justice and adherence to the law.

"We have been proven right regarding our position on the local government dispute," said the governor in a statement released on Wednesday. "I would especially like to recognize the leadership of the NBA for forming a committee to examine the local government issues in Osun and for their boldness in publishing a report stating that there is no legal reason to continue withholding local government allocations in the state."

Adeleke expressed gratitude for the NBA's clarification that his administration was not responsible for the dismissal of the All Progressives Congress council chairmen in 2022, explaining that their removal was ordered by a court.

"Following their removal in 2022, the APC chairmen sought a stay of execution, which the court rejected. I had no part in their dismissal. The NBA's findings confirm this fact," he stated.

He emphasized that the recent elections held on February 22, 2025, adhered strictly to legal rulings and resulted in the election of 30 Peoples Democratic Party council chairmen and their councillors, who have been recognized by the Court of Appeal since then.

"The NBA's actions regarding the Osun local government situation have eliminated any uncertainty. By law, the PDP-elected chairmen and councillors are currently the legitimate leaders of the Osun local government," Adeleke noted. "Thus, there is no legal justification for withholding the local government allocations."

The governor also expressed gratitude to the traditional leaders, legal experts like Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), and all advocates of justice and democracy for their support in the matter.

"I once again urge the Federal Government to release the seized allocations for Osun in accordance with the law and constitutional requirements. We will persist in pursuing justice using due process and the rule of law," he added.

The NBA, in a strongly worded letter to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), called for the prompt release of Osun's local government funds, deeming their ongoing withholding as “unconstitutional, illegal, and a serious challenge to the rule of law.”

The letter, signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) and General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, emphasized that the President lacks the authority to suspend or withhold local government funds.