Osun bemoans blockage of council funds

The Osun State government has warned that any move to withhold or obstruct local government funds would amount to a direct attack on residents at the grassroots rather than the state itself.

The State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Alimi, in a statement on Wednesday, described recent actions by political actors as hostile to the welfare of Osun people. He warned that such steps would severely affect communities that depend on local council services.

The warning comes amid escalating tension over the control of local government councils in the state.

Alimi dismissed claims by the All Progressives Congress that its council chairmen were reinstated by the courts, stressing that no such order exists. He said no court, including the Court of Appeal in its judgment of February 10, 2025, issued a direct or executive order reinstating any APC local government chairmen or councillors.

The Osun government accused the opposition APC of attempting to reclaim power through political manipulation after losing control through lawful processes, describing the move as an effort to smuggle power through the backdoor.

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The state government warned that court judgments cannot be used as justification to cripple local councils financially, noting that council funds are meant for essential services.

According to the statement, local government funds are for teachers, health workers, market women, traditional institutions and sanitation, not for settling political scores.

Alimi warned that anyone blocking the funds is declaring war on the Osun grassroots.

On local government elections, the government insisted that polls would be conducted strictly in line with the law, rejecting what it described as intimidation and propaganda.

He said elections would be conducted lawfully, not at gunpoint or under propaganda pressure.

The state government also clarified that local government autonomy does not permit individuals to unlawfully assume office or access public funds without legal backing.

It warned those allegedly obstructing council operations that the public is closely watching developments and would respond through democratic means, while reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and the protection of the people’s mandate.

The statement follows earlier calls by civil society groups and the Peoples Democratic Party for APC chairmen to vacate office, arguing that their tenure expired in October 2025 and accusing the Osun Police Command of shielding illegal executives.

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