NBA Report: Adeleke Urges FG to Unblock Osun’s Withheld Allocations

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has renewed his call on the Federal Government to release statutory allocations owed to local governments in the state, citing recent interventions by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other civic groups, which described the continued withholding of the funds as unconstitutional.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Adeleke praised the NBA, the Osun Council of Obas, and other stakeholders for their bold stance in defending the rule of law.

“We have been vindicated on all fronts regarding the local government crisis,” the governor said. “I especially commend the NBA for setting up a committee to investigate the matter and for showing rare courage in releasing a report that clearly stated there is no legal basis for the continued withholding of Osun’s local government allocations.”

Adeleke welcomed the NBA’s clarification that his administration was not responsible for the 2022 removal of the All Progressives Congress (APC) council chairmen, emphasizing that their sack was the result of a court ruling.

“After their removal in 2022, the APC chairmen sought a stay of execution, which the court denied. I played no role in their removal. The NBA’s findings confirm this reality,” he said.

The governor further explained that fresh local government elections held on February 22, 2025, were conducted in full compliance with judicial directives. The elections produced 30 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) council chairmen and their councillors, all of whom have been affirmed by the Court of Appeal.

“With the NBA’s intervention, all doubts have been cleared. By law, the duly elected PDP chairmen and councillors are the legitimate leaders of Osun’s local governments,” he stated. “There is no constitutional or legal basis for withholding their allocations.”

Adeleke expressed gratitude to traditional rulers, legal experts including Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), and other “lovers of justice and democracy” who have supported the state’s position.

“I once again urge the Federal Government to release Osun’s seized allocations in accordance with the law and the provisions of the constitution. We remain committed to using due process and the rule of law in pursuing justice on this matter,” he said.

The NBA, in a strongly worded letter addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), demanded the immediate release of the funds. The letter, signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) and General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, described the continued withholding of Osun’s allocations as “unconstitutional, unlawful, and a dangerous affront to the rule of law.”

According to the NBA, “The President has no powers to suspend or withhold local government funds.” It referenced the landmark Supreme Court judgment in Attorney General of Lagos State v. Attorney General of the Federation (2004), warning that such actions violate the Constitution and erode public trust in democratic institutions.

The crisis dates back to October 2022, when former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola held controversial local government elections that were later nullified by the Federal High Court. The legal dispute culminated in the Court of Appeal’s June 13, 2025 ruling, which upheld the PDP’s February 2025 victory.

Despite these legal outcomes, the NBA revealed that the Federal Government, acting on a March 26, 2025 advisory, continued to recognize the sacked APC officials and allegedly directed the Ministry of Finance to withhold Osun’s local government allocations until October 2025.

The NBA has since tasked its National Litigation Committee and the Section on Public Interest and Development Law with engaging relevant stakeholders, warning that it may pursue legal action if dialogue fails.

However, the Osun APC criticized the NBA’s involvement. In a statement issued on Wednesday by its chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, the party described the association’s intervention as “needless” and “disappointing,” accusing the NBA of acting as a self-appointed court.

“It is disheartening, worrisome, and shameful that the NBA—a professional body with a responsibility to uphold integrity—would meddle in a matter that does not concern it in Osun State,” the statement read.

The APC further argued that the NBA lacked legal standing in the matter:
“In the first place, the NBA is not a party to the suit. It has no locus standi to review or interpret the judgment of the Court of Appeal. There is no such legal concept as ‘tacit recognition,’ which the NBA has now concocted to justify its position.”

The party warned that the NBA’s opinion could not override the Constitution and accused the association of potentially misleading the public. “We urge the NBA to stop using the noble profession to pursue ulterior motives,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, traditional religious leaders, during the grand finale of the annual Isese Day Festival in Osogbo on Wednesday, expressed spiritual support for Governor Adeleke’s position. Led by the Ojugbona of Ileogbo, Kayode Olagunju, the traditionalists offered prayers and performed kolanut divination three times—each time receiving a message of victory.

Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, President of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association, explained:
“The state government asked us to intervene spiritually. We prayed, and the kolanut revealed isegun (victory). However, Ifa also warned that the Osun State Government must show gratitude to Isese.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture, Alex Oloke, said the traditional prayers would have strong impact.
“The kind of prayers offered today are powerful—because they are rooted in nature. When they asked the kolanut, it gave us Isegun, meaning we will overcome this issue,” he said.

Oloke affirmed the Adeleke administration’s ongoing support for traditional worshippers, stressing the government’s commitment to religious inclusion.