The Osun State Government has issued a strong warning against any attempt to withhold or obstruct Local Government funds, insisting such actions amount to a direct assault on residents at the grassroots rather than on the state government itself.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Alimi, accused certain political actors of deliberately undermining the welfare of Osun people through what he described as “openly hostile actions” against local councils.
The warning comes amid rising tensions over the control of Local Government councils across the state, with political disagreements now spilling into the management and access to council resources.
Addressing claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC), the government dismissed reports that any court had ordered the reinstatement of APC local government officials.
“No court ordered the reinstatement of APC’s illegal Local Government council administrators,” the statement said. “Contrary to APC propaganda, no court, including the Court of Appeal in its judgment of February 10, 2025, issued a direct, executory order reinstating any APC local government chairmen or councillors.”
According to the government, what is currently playing out is a calculated political move to reclaim power after losing it through lawful processes. It warned that court judgments must not be twisted to justify actions capable of crippling local governance.
“Local Government funds are meant for teachers, health workers, market women, traditional institutions, sanitation, and community services, not for settling political scores,” the statement added. “Anyone blocking these funds is openly declaring
The government also addressed the role of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, stressing that council elections would be conducted strictly in line with the law.
“Elections will be conducted lawfully, not at gunpoint or under propaganda pressure, as APC is trying to hijack the people’s mandate under armed accomplices,” the statement said.
Clarifying the issue of local government autonomy, the government noted that autonomy does not translate to disorder or self-help.
“Local government autonomy does not mean anarchy. It does not permit individuals to declare themselves in office, seize public spaces, or attempt to access public funds without lawful backing,” it stated.
The government concluded with a stern message to those allegedly obstructing council activities, warning that the public is watching closely.
“Any attempt to frustrate Osun Local Governments, cripple grassroots development, or punish innocent citizens in the name of politics is noted by the people. The Osun electorate is watching, recording, and will respond decisively. The rule of law will prevail, and the people’s mandate will be protected.”
The dispute follows ongoing disagreements over the control of local councils in Osun State. Civil society organisations, led by Stephen Olanrewaju, alongside the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have called on APC chairmen to vacate office, arguing that their tenure expired in October 2025. They also accused the Osun Police Command of shielding what they described as “illegal executives.”
The APC, however, maintains that its chairmen were reinstated by the Court of Appeal in February 2025 and insists they are lawfully occupying council secretariats.
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