APC Officials in Osun Demand Accounting of Local Government Funds

A group of All Progressives Congress (APC) local government vice chairmen in Osun State has called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to publicly account for local government allocations received by the state between December 2022 and January 2025.

The demand was issued in a statement on Friday by the Forum of Local Government Vice Chairmen, chaired by Victor Fatoki. The forum alleges that over ₦200 billion accrued to the state’s local councils during this period, with little visible evidence of corresponding projects on the ground.

“We are calling on Governor Ademola Adeleke to demonstrate transparency by accounting for the funds,” the statement read, citing specific local governments like Atakunmosa East and Obokun as examples of areas lacking visible development.

The governor’s office swiftly rejected the demand and the legitimacy of the forum itself. Through deputy spokesperson Oladele Bamiji, the administration stated the group is “unknown to the law” and accused it of attempting to disrupt public order.

“You can’t build something on nothing. So unknown entities to the law can’t begin to accord themselves some legal standing they don’t have,” Bamiji stated, indicating the government would not dignify the allegations with a substantive response.

The forum countered the governor’s dismissal by questioning his vigilance in demanding the release of federal allocations while allegedly failing to account for funds already received.

This exchange underscores the ongoing intense political and legal battle for control of local government resources between the state’s APC opposition and the ruling administration. The conflict has paralysed local government administration since February 2025, with multiple cases currently before the courts.