The Osun State Government has warned that attempts to punish residents by withholding or obstructing Local Government funds amount to an attack on the people, not the state.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Alimi, the government described recent actions by political actors as “openly hostile to the welfare of Osun people at the grassroots.”
The statement comes amid escalating tensions over the control of local government councils in the state.
“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. What we are witnessing is a political attempt to smuggle power through the backdoor after losing it through lawful means.”
The government also warned that court judgments cannot be used to justify actions that “starve Local Governments of funds,” adding, “Local Government funds are meant for teachers, health workers, market women, traditional institutions, sanitation, and community services, not for settling political scores. Anyone blocking these funds is openly declaring war on the Osun grassroots populace.”
On the role of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, the government said, “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 further clarified that “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.”
The government concluded with a stern warning to those involved in obstructing local councils:
“Let it be on record that 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 statement comes amid ongoing disputes over the control of local government councils in Osun State. Civil society organisations, led by Stephen Olanrewaju, and the PDP had earlier called on APC chairmen to vacate office, alleging their tenure ended in October 2025 and accusing the Osun Police Command of protecting “illegal executives.”
The APC, however, maintains that its chairmen were reinstated by the Court of Appeal in February 2025 and are legally occupying council secretariats.
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