By Funmi Ojo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called for the immediate release of over ₦130 billion in statutory allocations allegedly withheld from the state’s local governments, describing the situation as a major threat to grassroots governance and the welfare of workers and residents.
The governor, who made the demand in a state broadcast, condemned the illegal occupation of local government secretariats across the state by court-sacked chairmen and councillors of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Governor Adeleke said the occupation has persisted for almost a year despite a clear judgment of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, delivered in November 2022, and subsequent affirmations by the Court of Appeal in February and June 2025, which nullified the elections that produced the officials.
He accused the former governor of the state, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, of allegedly backing the continued occupation of the council secretariats with the support of the police, warning that such actions undermine democracy and the rule of law.
The governor further alleged that local government workers attempting to resume duty had been harassed and intimidated by armed police officers and political thugs, creating an atmosphere of fear and disruption at the grassroots level.
He pointed out that the withheld funds are critical for the payment of salaries and entitlements of primary school teachers, nurses, health workers in the state’s 332 primary health care centres, local government staff, traditional councils, and retirees.
The governor said the state government has had to make painful sacrifices to sustain salary payments for almost 12 months, a situation he described as unsustainable.
Appealing for federal intervention, he called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the immediate release of the withheld funds and to protect democratic institutions at the local government level.
He maintained that the president was not involved in the alleged illegality and urged him to intervene in the interest of constitutional order.
While calling on Nigerians and pro-democracy groups to speak out against the continued occupation of local government secretariats and to demand the release of council funds, Governor Adeleke urged residents of the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to upholding the constitution and safeguarding the welfare of the people.
Edited by Adetutu Adetule/Maxwell Oyekunle
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