When Will Osun LG Funds Be Released?

For 19 months, the federal government has withheld statutory allocations for Osun State's local government councils, totaling N201.962 billion, defying a Supreme Court ruling. The apex court had declared the seizure of funds unconstitutional, a "grave breach of the 1999 Constitution," and ordered the money to be directly channeled to local accounts. Despite this clear directive, the federal government has ignored the court's judgment.

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the withholding of the funds was unconstitutional.

This prolonged withholding of funds, which began after the February 2025 local government elections and subsequent legal challenges, has significantly worsened poverty and hunger in Osun State. Governor Ademola Adeleke highlighted that these funds are crucial for paying primary school teachers, nurses, health workers, local government employees, traditional council members, and retirees.

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grave breach of the 1999 Constitution.

The situation draws parallels to a past dispute where President Bola Tinubu, as Lagos State Governor, successfully challenged the withholding of LGA allocations under President Olusegun Obasanjo. The Supreme Court then ruled in favor of Lagos, ordering the release of funds, a decision that was complied with. Many express shock that a similar situation is occurring under Tinubu's presidency, given his prior stance.

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the hand of the federal government was soiled