The Osun Masterminds, a coalition of civil society organizations, has raised alarm over what it describes as a full-blown governance crisis in Osun State, accusing the state government of undermining the rule of law, abandoning governance for politics, and neglecting key developmental initiatives.
In a press conference delivered during the State of the State Address on Friday, the group expressed deep concern over the lingering controversy surrounding the administration of local governments in the state.
It cited the February 10 Appeal Court judgment which was interpreted by legal experts and the Attorney-General of the Federation as reinstating local government chairmen elected under the APC in 2022.
According to the group, the refusal of the state government to acknowledge the ruling and allow the reinstated officials to resume duties has thrown local governance into disarray, leading to violent clashes, employee abandonment of secretariats, and widespread confusion.
Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, Executive Director of The Osun Masterminds said “The Osun State Government is swimming against the tide of clear court pronouncements,”
He called on stakeholders and federal authorities to ensure that local government funds are released to the legally recognized chairmen and urged peaceful coexistence beyond political lines.
Subsequently, the group condemned what it described as the total shift from governance to politicking in the State. It accused public office holders of spending more time on political calculations ahead of the 2026 governorship election instead of addressing the people’s needs.
“It is unacceptable to sacrifice governance on the altar of political expediency,” they declared, insisting that the administration must work till its last day in office.
However, Oyedokun-Alli also expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in the state government’s plans to revamp technical colleges. While welcoming earlier announcements, the group noted the absence of concrete steps and urged the government to overhaul the management structure, update the curriculum, and encourage enrollment.
Similarly, they raised concerns about delays in the teacher recruitment process, which began in February 2023. They urged the state government to complete the exercise without political bias and ensure those recruited resume duties without further delay.
While addressing the issue of the national security, The Group also criticized the federal government’s handling of national security, particularly the spate of killings in the North-Central and other regions. While demanding an urgent overhaul of the security architecture, dismissal of underperforming personnel, and better motivation for security forces.
“The President must not prioritize re-election over national security. History will not be kind to a leader who watches the country fall apart,” the group warned.
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