The Osun State House of Assembly on Thursday called on the Federal Government to release the withheld monthly allocations meant for local government areas in the state. The funds have been held back due to ongoing disputes over council leadership.
The issue was discussed during a plenary session in Osogbo, led by PDP lawmaker Adewumi Adeyemi from Obokun Constituency. Adeyemi explained that the local government secretariats have been occupied by All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen who were sacked by a Federal High Court ruling. These chairmen are reportedly trying to access local government funds illegally.
Another PDP member, Lawrence Adeoti of Ife South Constituency, described the situation as worrying. He said the APC chairmen continue to hold office despite their elections being nullified and their Certificates of Return withdrawn by the court.
After a thorough debate, the lawmakers passed resolutions confirming that only the local government chairmen and councillors elected on February 22, 2025, are the lawful officeholders in Osun State. They also rejected any parallel government structures or unauthorized appointments to the councils.
The Assembly stressed that only duly elected officers are authorized to access and manage local government accounts, as stated in the 2025 guidelines for local government administration in Osun.
Any attempt to replace authorized officers with illegal appointees was declared unlawful and an effort to divert public funds. The Assembly promised to take all lawful steps to prevent such acts.
The Speaker of the House, Mr. Wale Egbedun, said the resolutions would be sent to Governor Ademola Adeleke for action.
The crisis follows a February 10 Court of Appeal judgement that sparked confusion over rightful local government leaders. While PDP insists the ruling did not reinstate the sacked APC officials, APC demands their return.
The conflict led to a withdrawal of services by local government workers starting February 17, following directives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), citing security concerns.
The standoff has left many local government offices inactive and residents uncertain about their leadership and public services.
