Calls have intensified on the Federal Government to release the withheld statutory allocations belonging to the 30 local government areas in Osun State, following Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the recently concluded governorship election.

The allocations, which have reportedly accumulated to more than ₦250 billion, have been withheld since the February 2025 local government elections in the state, which were challenged by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Osun State Government subsequently approached the courts over the withholding of the funds.

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In a judgment delivered by the Supreme Court, Justice Mohammed Idris, who read the lead judgment, reportedly described the withholding of the allocations as a “grave breach of the 1999 Constitution.” The court further held that the Federal Government was wrong to withhold funds meant for the local governments and directed that the money be paid directly into the councils’ accounts.

Although the Supreme Court dismissed the suit on the grounds that the Osun State Government lacked the standing to institute the case on behalf of the local governments, the court nevertheless faulted the Federal Government for withholding the statutory allocations.

Despite the judgment, the funds have reportedly remained withheld, with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Federal Government maintaining their position on the matter.

Critics have argued that the withholding of the allocations was politically motivated and intended to weaken local government administration in Osun State and put pressure on Adeleke’s administration. With Adeleke having secured another electoral victory, however, proponents of the release of the funds argue that there is no justification for further withholding resources belonging to the councils and their residents.

The release of the allocations, they contend, would provide critical financial support for the payment of salaries and allowances of primary school teachers, healthcare workers and local government employees, as well as members of traditional councils and retirees.

The funds would also support the operation of the state’s 332 primary healthcare centres and facilitate infrastructure development across the local government areas.

Stakeholders have therefore urged the Federal Government to comply with the Supreme Court’s pronouncement and ensure that the accumulated allocations are released to the affected local government councils without further delay.