The Lygel & Youths Leadership Initiative Ltd/Gte has condemned in strong terms the continued withholding of local government funds and the prolonged closure of council administrations in Osun State, describing the situation as a gross violation of the Nigerian Constitution and a betrayal of democratic governance at the grassroots.
The statement signed by Olalekan I. Oladapo, Esq., Director of Legal & Compliance at Lygel & Youths Leadership Initiative Ltd/Gte, on Wednesday, decried the 163-day denial of local governance and services across Osun, calling it an “unlawful and politically motivated sabotage” that has deprived millions of residents of access to essential services, stalled infrastructural development.
The group stated that since February 17, 2025, Osun residents have been victims of a constitutional crisis created by both the Federal Government and the Osun State Government, who have failed to resolve electoral disputes lawfully while resorting to actions that contradict the Supreme Court’s landmark 2024 judgment affirming the autonomy of local governments.
“Since February 17, 2025, millions of Osun residents have been deprived of access to essential services, with stalled infrastructure, halted economic empowerment programs, and a breakdown in local administration. This crisis is the product of a dangerous political struggle between the Federal and Osun State governments, both of which have engaged in actions that run contrary to the Constitution and the rule of law”, he explained.
Lygel argued that Section 162(3)-(8) of the 1999 Constitution mandates direct allocation of funds to local governments from the Federation Account and that this was reaffirmed in Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State.
The organization insisted that the Federal Government’s continued withholding of funds, based on the argument that the councils lack democratically elected leadership, is inconsistent with both the letter and the spirit of the Supreme Court ruling.
“The Federal Government’s reliance on the absence of democratically elected councils as a reason to withhold funds is inconsistent with the spirit of this judgment because the court intended to insulate local governments from political manipulation—precisely the kind of manipulation now unfolding.
“The State Government’s failure to conduct valid elections in line with the Electoral Act created the initial legal vacuum, but the Federal Government’s punitive response by seizing funds only deepens the constitutional violation.
“The actions of both governments amount to contempt of the Supreme Court decision and an erosion of judicial authority.
“It noted that the state government’s failure to conduct valid local elections in accordance with the Electoral Act created the initial legal vacuum, but added that the Federal Government’s response by blocking statutory funding only compounds the violation and undermines judicial authority, he stressed further.
However, Lygel also criticised the role of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the crisis.
He said “the union’s withdrawal of services under political influence has worsened the hardship faced by citizens and violates the spirit of labour laws, as it does not constitute a lawful industrial action but rather a politically-induced protest”.
He further called for constitutional reform to clarify Section 7(1) by providing clear consequences for states that fail to conduct local government elections in compliance with the law.
In a firm call to action, the organization demanded the immediate release of the withheld funds, full compliance with constitutional and judicial directives, and a quick resolution of the electoral disputes without further politicisation.
In conclusion , the group vowed to petition the National Assembly for legislative intervention to safeguard grassroots governance, pursue legal action against any continued violations and to mobilise Nigerian youths, civil society groups, and international partners to defend grassroots governance.
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