Adeleke Faults Tinubu Government Over Alleged Seizure Of Osun Local Government Funds
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of marginalising his state and withholding local government funds despite a subsisting court order directing their release. Adeleke, who made the allegation on Thursday at the South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue held in Akure, Ondo State, said the Federal Government’s actions were politically motivated and contrary to democratic principles. The event was themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.” Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Adeleke lamented that the rule of law was being undermined in Osun, where federal power was allegedly being used to interfere in state matters. He said, “A troubling dimension was introduced earlier this year when the rule of law was replaced with the rule of the thumb. In Osun, federal authority is being exercised outside constitutional boundaries, threatening peace and intergovernmental harmony.” The governor alleged that certain security agencies had become tools in the hands of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), protecting party loyalists even when they act unlawfully. “Federal party officials openly boast of using security forces to intimidate and witch-hunt state officials. Some even declare their intention to hijack the state, whether the people voted for them or not — and they do so under security protection,” he stated. Adeleke further claimed that Osun’s local government funds were seized earlier this year without a court order, while individuals removed from office by judicial rulings were allegedly reinstated through federal influence and the backing of security operatives. He expressed disappointment that despite Tinubu being from the South-West, Osun continued to be sidelined in federal dealings. “Our olive branch for collaboration is often rejected due to political partisanship. Federal interactions with Osun have become dictated by partisan considerations rather than fairness and constitutional order,” he lamented. Adeleke urged South-West governors to rise above political divisions and work together for regional development. He praised the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission for promoting unity and proposed the creation of a circular cargo railway project across the South-West in partnership with the Federal Government. He added, “The South-West must elevate development above politics. We must adopt a collective strategy that prioritises progress and economic growth over partisan interests.”
