Adeleke Demands Release of Allegedly Withheld ₦130bn Local Government Funds
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has demanded the immediate release of over ₦130 billion in statutory allocations allegedly withheld from the state’s local government councils, warning that the situation is crippling governance at the grassroots.
In a statewide address, the governor said the funds, which he claimed have been withheld since February 2025, are meant for duly elected local government councils but have not been released to their legitimate accounts. He noted that the prolonged withholding has placed severe financial strain on the state, forcing the government to intervene to keep salaries and essential services running.
Adeleke linked the development to the continued occupation of local government secretariats by former council officials whose elections were nullified by the courts. He insisted that his administration complied with court rulings by conducting fresh local government elections and inaugurating new chairmen and councillors, describing those still occupying the secretariats as illegal occupants.
The governor alleged that the situation has disrupted the payment of salaries to primary school teachers, health workers, local government staff and pensioners, while also affecting service delivery at primary healthcare centres across the state.
He further accused some security operatives and political actors of supporting the illegal occupation of council offices, adding that workers attempting to resume duties had faced harassment and intimidation.
Calling for urgent intervention, Adeleke appealed for the release of the withheld funds, stressing that local governments require the allocations to function effectively and meet their obligations to residents.
He urged residents of the state to remain peaceful, assuring them that his administration remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic institutions while working to resolve the crisis.
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