Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has accused the Federal Government of “weaponising power and partisanship” against his administration through the unlawful withholding of local government funds.
Speaking through his deputy, Kola Adewusi, at a two-day South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue in Akure, Adeleke alleged that federal security and fiscal structures were being used to undermine the state.
“It would interest the public to know that Osun’s local government funds were seized without any court order,” he said.
“Those sacked by a subsisting court order were forced back into office under federal protection. That is not democracy.”
The governor said Osun’s cooperation with the Federal Government had not shielded it from discrimination.
He added, “Our olive branch for collaboration is clouded by political partisanship at the centre. We must move beyond party divides and prioritise regional development.”
Impact Snapshot
- Legal tension over control of local government finances.
- South-West governors push for non-partisan development cooperation.
- Renewed scrutiny of federal agencies’ influence at state level.
Adeleke also called for a South-West circular cargo railway partnership with the Federal Government, stressing that “development must not be hostage to politics.”
Federal Fairness or Federal Power?
The allegation has revived debate over Nigeria’s fiscal federalism and control of LG allocations. Analysts warn that federal overreach could erode state autonomy and deepen regional resentment.
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