NBA Report: Adeleke Urges FG to Release Withheld Osun LG Funds

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has renewed his appeal to the Federal Government to unfreeze statutory allocations meant for local governments in the state, insisting that their continued seizure is illegal.

Adeleke, in a statement on Wednesday, praised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Council of Obas, and civic groups for backing Osun’s position, commending what he described as their courage to defend the rule of law.

“We are vindicated on all fronts regarding our rightful claim on the local government crisis. I must particularly commend the NBA for investigating the Osun LG issue and courageously releasing its report, which confirmed there is no legal basis for withholding Osun’s allocations,” the governor said.

He further welcomed the NBA’s clarification that his administration was not responsible for the removal of All Progressives Congress (APC) council chairmen in 2022, noting that a court of law ordered their sack.

“After their removal in 2022, the APC chairmen sought a stay of execution which the court refused. I was not responsible for their sack. The NBA’s findings have validated this fact,” Adeleke added.

The governor emphasized that the February 22, 2025, local government elections, which produced 30 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmen and councillors, were conducted in line with judicial rulings and later upheld by the Court of Appeal.

“The NBA’s intervention has cleared all doubts. Today, the law recognizes PDP chairmen and councillors as the rightful leaders of Osun local governments. There is therefore no constitutional or legal basis for withholding our allocations,” Adeleke declared.

He thanked traditional rulers, legal luminaries like Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), and “lovers of democracy” for their support, while urging the Federal Government to obey the law.

NBA’s Position

In a letter to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the NBA demanded the immediate release of Osun’s funds, describing their continued withholding as “unconstitutional, unlawful, and a dangerous affront to the rule of law.”

Signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), and General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, the letter stressed that the President has no authority to suspend or seize allocations due to local governments.

“The withholding of allocations violates the Constitution, disregards the rule of law, and undermines judicial pronouncements,” the NBA wrote, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in Attorney General of Lagos State v. Attorney General of the Federation (2004).

The lawyers’ body warned that such actions erode public trust in democratic institutions and set a dangerous precedent.

Background of the Crisis

The local government tussle in Osun dates back to October 2022, when former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola conducted controversial elections later nullified by a Federal High Court. The matter was eventually resolved by the Court of Appeal in June 2025, which upheld the PDP’s victory in the February 2025 polls.

However, the NBA revealed that despite these rulings, federal authorities, acting on a March 26, 2025 advisory, continued to recognize the sacked APC officials and instructed the Ministry of Finance to withhold allocations until October 2025.

The association has since directed its National Litigation Committee and Section on Public Interest and Development Law to engage stakeholders, warning that it may go to court if dialogue fails.

APC’s Reaction

The Osun APC dismissed the NBA’s intervention, calling it “needless” and “a disappointment.”

In a statement signed by its chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, the party accused the association of overstepping its bounds.

“It is shameful that the NBA, a professional body with integrity at stake, could meddle in a matter that doesn’t concern it. The NBA is not a party to the suit, neither is it the Supreme Court. They have no locus to interpret or review the Court of Appeal’s judgment,” the APC said.

The party argued that the NBA’s position could mislead the public and urged the body to refrain from “trading with the name of the noble profession.”

Traditionalists Weigh In

Meanwhile, traditionalists at the grand finale of the Isese Day Festival in Osogbo offered spiritual backing for Governor Adeleke.

Led by the Ojugbona of Ileogbo, Kayode Olagunju, they conducted prayers and kolanut divination, which they claimed predicted victory for Osun in its tussle with the Federal Government.

Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, President of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association, explained:

“We prayed and performed kolanut divination three times, and each indicated isegun (victory). Ifa also warned that the government must show gratitude when the funds are released.”

Special Adviser on Culture, Alex Oloke, praised the ritual, saying the outcome assured Osun of victory and reaffirmed the Adeleke administration’s commitment to supporting traditional institutions.