Osun State Government has called on the Federal Government to release local government funds that have been withheld, stressing that the continued seizure is causing hardship to communities.
The appeal came in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, on Sunday, following a Court of Appeal judgment that recognised the elected local government chairmen and councillors from the February 22, 2025 elections as the official leaders in the state.
The government supported efforts by traditional rulers and community leaders to secure the immediate release of the funds. It said the funds should be made available without delay, as the judiciary has confirmed the legitimacy of the elected officials.
The statement also noted that the President and the Attorney-General of the Federation were not properly consulted before the funds were withheld. It accused some parties of targeting Governor Ademola Adeleke through the fund seizure, warning that the real victims are ordinary people in Osun State.
The local government leadership crisis has deepened tensions in Osun politics ahead of the 2026 governorship election. Although PDP candidates won the February 2025 local government elections, they were directed by the Governor not to assume office due to violence and security concerns.
Meanwhile, the APC local government leaders, elected in a controversial 2022 election, continue to operate in the state.
Traditional rulers, including the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, have urged the Federal Government to release the funds to allow grassroots governance to function smoothly. Oba Oyetunji also expressed readiness to meet President Bola Tinubu on the matter.
The Osun local government crisis remains unresolved, with vital public services and administration at the grassroots still paralysed.