Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has accused the Federal Government of violating constitutional provisions by withholding local government allocations due to the state despite a standing court order.
Speaking at a two-day South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission in Akure, Ondo State, Adeleke described the alleged seizure of funds as a direct assault on democracy and a breach of intergovernmental trust.
The dialogue, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” brought together policymakers, political leaders, and regional development experts to deliberate on democratic consolidation in the South-West.
Represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, the governor said the continued withholding of funds by the Federal Government amounted to “an alarming substitution of the rule of law with the rule of might.”
“In Osun, federal authority is being exercised outside the bounds of constitutional regulation. A disturbing trend has emerged where partisan influence overrides legal frameworks,” Adeleke stated. “This politicisation of federal power threatens the peace and productivity of intergovernmental relations.”
He further alleged that security agencies were being deployed to protect the interests of certain political operatives within the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), thereby undermining elected local government officials.
“As if that were not enough, local government funds were withheld without lawful justification. Duly elected council officials have been prevented from assuming office, while individuals removed by valid court orders were reinstated through federal influence,” he claimed.
The Osun governor also accused the Tinubu-led administration of sidelining the state in regional development matters, lamenting that federal engagements with Osun had become politicised.
“Our efforts at fostering cooperation have been hindered by political bias from the centre. Federal relations with Osun are now filtered through partisan lenses, and that is inimical to regional growth,” he said.
Adeleke called on South-West governors to prioritise regional unity above political differences, urging collective investment in projects that would benefit the zone, including a circular cargo railway system.
“The South-West must transcend party lines and embrace strategic regional collaboration. A unified regional transport system will transform our economic outlook,” he added.
Reacting, the media aide to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Kamoru Ogundele, declined to comment, stating that the issue was already before the court.
“It is sub judice; I cannot make any comment on the matter,” he said.
