Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has accused the Federal Government of undermining the constitution by withholding local government funds belonging to the state despite a subsisting court order.
Speaking on Thursday at a two-day South-West stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission in Akure, Ondo State, Adeleke described the action as a clear violation of democratic norms and intergovernmental fairness.
The event, with the theme “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” was attended by political leaders and policymakers from across the South-West.
Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Adeleke alleged that since the beginning of the year, the Federal Government had seized Osun’s local government allocation and enabled partisan interference in state and local governance.
“A troubling dimension was introduced earlier this year when the rule of law was replaced with the rule of the thumb,” he said. “In Osun, federal power is being applied outside the regulation of the constitution. Politicisation of federal power poses serious threats to peaceful and productive intergovernmental relations.”
The governor claimed that some security agencies were being used to shield political operatives of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state, while elected local government officials had been denied access to their offices.
“As if that is not enough, Osun local government funds were seized without any court order. Duly elected officials were not allowed to assume office, while those sacked by a subsisting court order were forced back by federal power and security apparatus,” he alleged.
Adeleke further accused the Tinubu-led administration of marginalising Osun State in federal dealings despite being part of the South-West region.
“Our olive branch to enhance collaboration is clouded by political partisanship promoted by operatives of the ruling political party at the centre,” he said. “Partisan consideration has become the yardstick for federal interactions with Osun, a development that threatens intergovernmental harmony.”
The governor urged the South-West states to rise above party politics and work together for regional progress, commending the DAWN Commission for fostering regional cooperation.
“The South-West must elevate power applications beyond partisan considerations,” he said. “We must develop a circular cargo railway project for the region in partnership with the Federal Government.”
When contacted for reaction, the media aide to the Attorney General of the Federation, Kamoru Ogundele, said he could not comment as the matter is currently in court.
“It is sub judice, I can’t comment,” he said.
The Federal Government had withheld Osun LG allocations amid a tussle for LG control between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress in the state.
The matter has become a subject of litigation up to the Supreme Court, which recently heard the case and reserved judgment.
