Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has accused the Federal Government of seizing local government funds belonging to the state in defiance of a valid court order, describing the move as a threat to democracy and intergovernmental harmony.
Speaking on Thursday at a two-day South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission in Akure, Ondo State, Adeleke alleged that the Federal Government was interfering in Osun’s internal affairs for partisan political reasons.
The event, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” brought together top policymakers and regional leaders across the South-West.
Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Governor Adeleke lamented that constitutional order was being replaced by what he called “the rule of the thumb.”
“A troubling dimension was introduced earlier this year when the rule of law was replaced with the rule of the thumb,” he said.
“In Osun, federal power is being applied outside constitutional regulations. Politicisation of federal power poses serious threats to peaceful and productive intergovernmental relations.”
The governor further alleged that some security agencies were being used to shield political operatives of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, while duly elected local government officials were denied access to their offices.
“As if that is not enough, Osun local government funds were seized without any court order. Duly elected officials were not allowed to assume office, while those sacked by a subsisting court order were forced back by federal power and security apparatus,” Adeleke claimed.
He accused the Tinubu-led administration of marginalising Osun State in federal engagements despite being part of the South-West region, warning that partisan considerations were undermining genuine collaboration.
“Our olive branch to enhance collaboration is clouded by political partisanship promoted by operatives of the ruling political party at the centre. Partisan consideration has become the yardstick for federal interactions with Osun,” he added.
