The Osun State Government has warned that any attempt to block or withhold local government funds is an attack on the people at the grassroots, not on the state administration.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Alimi, said such actions would hurt ordinary residents who depend on local councils for essential services, describing the move as hostile to the welfare of Osun people.
The warning comes amid rising political tension over the control of local government councils in the state.
Alimi rejected claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that its local government chairmen were reinstated by the courts, insisting that no such order exists.
“No court, including the Court of Appeal in its judgment of February 10, 2025, issued any direct or executive order reinstating APC local government chairmen or councillors,” the statement said.
The state government accused the opposition of trying to regain control through political manipulation after losing power through lawful processes, describing the move as an attempt to “smuggle power through the backdoor.”
It stressed that court judgments cannot be used as justification to financially cripple local councils, noting that council funds are meant for essential services at the grassroots.
“Local government funds are for teachers, health workers, market women, traditional institutions and sanitation, not for settling political scores.
“Anyone blocking these funds is declaring war on the Osun grassroots,” the statement added.
On local government elections, the government said polls would be conducted strictly in line with the law, rejecting what it described as intimidation and propaganda.
“Elections will be conducted lawfully, not at gunpoint or under propaganda pressure,” it said.
The government also clarified that local government autonomy does not allow individuals to unlawfully assume office or access public funds without proper legal backing.
It concluded by warning those allegedly obstructing council operations that the public is watching closely and would respond through democratic means, while reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and the protection of the people’s mandate.
