The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately release withheld statutory allocations intended for local governments in Osun State, describing the suspension as unconstitutional and a breach of the rule of law
In a letter dated August 19, 2025, addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation, the NBA said there is “no legal justification for the non-release of the allocations” and demanded their “immediate release.” The letter was signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe and General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara.
The NBA noted that payments from the Federation Account to Osun’s local government councils have been withheld since February 2025, despite constitutional guarantees under Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.
Its ad-hoc committee reviewing the issue concluded that withholding the funds “violates the Constitution, disregards the Rule of Law, and affronts clear pronouncements of the courts.”
The Association warned that seizing or withholding funds meant for local governments “sets a dangerous precedent, weakens public confidence in democratic institutions, and emboldens lawlessness at all levels.” Citing the Supreme Court ruling in A.G of Lagos State vs. A.G of Federation (2004), the NBA stressed that the President “has no power to suspend, withhold, or direct the suspension or withholding of statutory allocations due to Local Government Councils.”
The NBA also addressed conflicting rulings arising from Osun’s October 2022 local government elections, noting that following fresh elections in February 2025, the only legitimate council officials are those of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The letter criticized the Federal Government for freezing disbursements, emphasizing that any disputes over statutory allocations must be resolved through the courts.
The NBA announced that its National Litigation Committee and Section on Public Interest and Development Law will engage relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions and court rulings.
Official records reviewed by SaharaReporters show that Osun is owed ₦46.9 billion, with monthly allocations of N11.9 billion for March, N11.2 billion for April, N11.7 billion for May, and ₦12.1 billion for June yet to be disbursed.
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