FG has being withholding Osun LG funds – Governor Adeleke

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of unfair treatment toward his state, alleging that the Federal Government has been withholding local government funds despite a court order mandating their release.

Speaking at the South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue in Akure, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” Adeleke — represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi — urged the Federal Government to act with justice and fairness by releasing Osun’s funds.

He said, “A troubling dimension was introduced earlier this year when the rule of law was replaced with the rule of the thumb. In Osun, federal power is being exercised outside the bounds of the constitution. The politicisation of federal authority poses serious threats to peaceful and productive intergovernmental relations.”

Adeleke alleged that certain security agencies in the state now openly protect members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), even when they act unlawfully. “Federal party officials boast of powers to deploy security apparatus to witch-hunt state officials. On many occasions, they have declared their readiness to hijack the state whether the people voted for them or not — and they do so under security protection,” he said.

The governor further claimed that Osun’s local government funds were seized earlier this year without any legal justification, while federal influence was used to install individuals removed by court orders back into local government offices.

He lamented that despite Tinubu being from the South-West, Osun continues to be sidelined in federal affairs. “Our olive branch to enhance collaboration is clouded by political partisanship. We have discovered that partisan considerations have become the basis for federal dealings with Osun State, threatening intergovernmental cooperation,” he stated.

Adeleke called for unity among South-West governors, urging them to rise above political differences and pursue regional development collectively. He praised the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission for its efforts in promoting cooperation across the region and proposed a major joint infrastructure project.

“We must prioritize regional growth over politics. It is time to embark on a circular cargo railway project for the South-West in partnership with the Federal Government,” he added.