Governor of Osun State, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, has called for the immediate release of over ₦130 billion in statutory allocations allegedly withheld from the state’s local governments, warning that the continued blockade is crippling grassroots governance and causing hardship for workers and residents
In a statewide broadcast on Monday addressing the illegal occupation of local government secretariats and the defence of democratic order, Adeleke said court-sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors have unlawfully occupied council offices across the state for nearly a year, despite rulings by the Federal High Court, Osogbo, in November 2022 and confirmations by the Court of Appeal in February and June 2025 nullifying their elections.
“The court removed them, not my administration,” the governor said, noting that fresh local government elections were conducted in line with court orders, resulting in the swearing-in of duly elected chairmen and councillors on February 23, 2025. He described the current occupants of the secretariats as imposters acting without lawful mandate.
Adeleke accused former Governor Gboyega Oyetola of allegedly supporting the continued occupation with police backing, an act he said undermines democracy and the rule of law. He further alleged that local government workers who tried to resume duty were harassed and intimidated by armed police officers and political thugs.
Highlighting the impact on local governance, Adeleke revealed that statutory allocations meant for Osun local governments, totaling about ₦130 billion since February 2025, have not been released to the councils’ legitimate accounts. He said these funds are vital for paying salaries of primary school teachers, nurses, health workers in 332 primary health care centres, council staff, traditional councils, and retirees.
The governor added that the state government has had to make significant financial sacrifices to cover salaries for nearly 12 months, a situation he described as unsustainable. “Governance is about humanity, responsibility, and compassion, but this burden cannot continue indefinitely,” he said.
Adeleke also accused the United Bank for Africa (UBA) of allowing unauthorized persons to operate local government accounts, noting that senior bank officials involved are now facing criminal prosecution. He questioned whether such actions would be tolerated in jurisdictions like New York or London, where the bank operates.
Appealing for federal intervention, Adeleke urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the release of the withheld funds and protect democratic institutions, clarifying that the President is not implicated in the alleged illegality.
“There is no provision in our Constitution for tenure elongation,” Adeleke said, framing the crisis as a battle between constitutional order and impunity. He called on Nigerians and democracy advocates to demand an immediate end to the occupation of local government secretariats and the release of council funds.
The governor also urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and safeguarding their welfare.
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