By Hon. Comrade James Onifade 
For over eight months, Osun State has been trapped in one of the most consequential constitutional and economic crises of its recent history. At the heart of the turmoil lies a single issue: the withholding of Local Government (LG) allocations by the Federal Government funds that constitutionally belong to democratically elected councils and the grassroots communities they serve.
Today, as uncertainty deepens and public frustration grows, a unified call echoes across Osun: the Supreme Court must deliver its long-awaited judgment.
The message is simple, yet profound: “Justice delayed is justice denied”. The people of Osun State deserve clarity, stability, and good governance.
The Path to Crisis: Elections, Litigation, and a Funding Blockade
On February 22, 2025, Osun State conducted peaceful LG elections that brought in a new set of democratically elected council chairmen and councilors. Their victory was celebrated across the 30 LGAs and 33 LCDAs, marking a fresh mandate from the grassroots.
However, these new leaders inherited a lingering political and legal battle dating back to the October 2022 local government elections held under the previous administration. That earlier election had been invalidated by a Federal High Court judgment in late 2022, sparking ongoing disputes over legitimacy and tenure.
Despite subsequent appellate rulings that strengthened the legitimacy of the February 2025 elected officials, a directive from the Attorney General of the Federation in March 2025 ordered that Osun’s LG allocations be withheld pending “clarification” of the leadership crisis.
This directive triggered an immediate constitutional confrontation. Osun State approached the Supreme Court, insisting that:
The AGF has no constitutional authority to withhold LG allocations.
There are valid court judgments affirming the February 2025 elected councils. Withholding funds meant for grassroots development is illegal, punitive, and harmful to the people.
Since then, the case has remained before the apex court without a final judgment.
The Human and Economic Cost of the Withheld Funds
While legal arguments continue, the consequences on the ground have been devastating.
1. Local Governance Has Nearly Ground to a Halt. Local governments which is regarded as the tier of government and closest to ordinary citizens are struggling to function. Routine services like primary healthcare, rural road maintenance, sanitation, school support, and community security have suffered.
2. Economic Activities Are Stagnant. Local governments are critical engines of grassroots economic activity. The blockade of funds has disrupted contracts, stalled local development projects, and slowed circulation of money across rural and semi-urban communities.
I can boldly say if not for the intervention and strategic cushioning by our dear Governor , Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the economy of Osun State would be in deeper distress.
3. Politically Manufactured Tension
The crisis has also created political vacuum and confusion in some councils. Rival groups particularly those aligned with the defunct APC “yes/no” chairmen of 2022 and the duly elected February 2025 officials have continued to clash over legitimacy.
These tensions not only threaten local stability but also erode public trust in institutions.
Governor Adeleke’s Steady Leadership Amid Uncertainty
Amid this constitutional standoff, Governor Ademola Adeleke has emerged as a stabilizing force. His administration has:
1) Ensured continued payments of local government workers.
2) Provided provisional financial support to keep essential services running.
3) Pursued legal redress instead of political confrontation.
4) Unified traditional rulers, civil society, and legal professionals around a common cause.
With the role our dear Governor, Adeleke Ademola has been playing in Osun state, is indeed the voice of reason and protector of grassroots democracy. He is a leader ensuring that the people do not suffer unduly while the case drags on.
The Role of Stakeholders: A Collective Demand for Justice
In recent months, pressure has mounted from all corners:
– Traditional rulers have condemned the withholding of funds as an affront to democracy.
– The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticized the AGF’s directive as unconstitutional.
– Civil society groups have warned that the crisis is worsening poverty and community decay.
– Elected local officials have appealed for their mandates to be respected.
The Supreme Court Must Act Now!!!
1. To Uphold the Rule of Law
Court judgments already exist affirming the legitimacy of the February 2025 elected councils. Any continued withholding of allocations contradicts those rulings. The Supreme Court must settle the matter decisively.
2. To Restore Grassroots Governance as Without funds, LG administrations are powerless. The court’s judgment will immediately unlock the resources needed to resume normal governance.
3. To Protect Democracy
Local democracy is meaningless if elected officials cannot function. The Supreme Court’s decision will strengthen Nigeria’s democratic architecture.
4. To End Economic Paralysis
Only the apex court can unblock the resources needed to restart stalled projects and restore community development.
5. To Prevent Further Conflict
A clear legal resolution will stop political factions from exploiting the vacuum for partisan battles.
Let me make this clear, this is not a political dispute it is a humanitarian, constitutional, and democratic crisis. Millions of Osun citizens who depend on local government services are paying the price for a matter that should have been resolved months ago.
This is why i join voices with leaders, lawyers, community groups, and the people of Osun in saying:
The Supreme Court must prioritize and deliver judgment on the Osun LG allocation case.
Justice delayed is justice denied and the people cannot wait any longer.
Osun State has endured enough uncertainty. The economy has suffered enough strain. The grassroots have absorbed enough hardship.
Now is the moment for the Supreme Court to rise to the occasion, defend democracy, uphold the Constitution, and deliver justice.
The people of Osun State deserve nothing less!!!