The Osun State House of Assembly has raised alarm over what it describes as the illegal disruption of local government administration and the diversion of local government funds in the state.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday at the Osun state house of assembly Osogbo, the lawmakers said they could no longer remain silent while actions that undermine the rule of law, democracy, and grassroots governance continue
Egbedun said, “the legislative authority, or the power of the State Houses of Assembly to make laws regulating Local Government administration, financial controls, and accountability, are expressly recognised under Section 7 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Financial Autonomy granted the local governments by the Supreme Court does not negate section 7 of the constitution.
“The House notes with grave concern that individuals whose elections were nullified by courts of competent jurisdiction, and whose self-awarded tenure has since expired by effluxion of time on 22nd October, 2025, continue to unlawfully occupy Local Government secretariats and interfere with Local Government finances. These individuals have no legal mandate. They are not recognised by law, by the courts, or by the Constitution. Their continued presence in Local Government Secretariats is illegal and must not go on unchecked.”
The lawmakers further accused Mr Gboyega Oyetola of unlawfully influencing the disbursement of local government funds, alleging that billions of naira were paid to illegal chairmen, councillors, traditional rulers, and private lawyers.
“Mr Gboyega Oyetola, a nephew to President Tinubu, has no constitutional, statutory, or moral authority to control Local Governments funds, issue instructions on Local Government funds, influence banks, or direct security agencies in respect of Local Government administration. Being related to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confers no legal power to interfere in the affairs of Osun State Local Governments. Nigeria is governed by laws, not family ties.
“The House is particularly alarmed by credible information that huge sums of Local Government funds have been paid under the directive of Mr Gboyega Oyetola.”
They expressed concern that despite these payments, local government workers, including teachers, nurses, healthcare workers, retirees, and civil servants, have reportedly received no salaries for over twelve months.
“Even more disturbing are reports before this House that plans are allegedly underway to disburse another N50B (Fifty Billion Naira) of Local Government funds for political purposes, disguised as project funds, while governance at the grassroots continue to suffer.
This House will not tolerate the diversion of public funds meant for salaries, healthcare, education, and community development into private hands to fund the election of a particular politician in Osun State.
“The Osun State House of Assembly formally places on record that it has written repeatedly to banks, including the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), clearly educating them on the law. Under extant Osun State laws and regulations governing Local Government administration, only career officers duly appointed under the Local Government Service Commission, including Directors of Finance and Directors of Administration and General Services, are lawful signatories to Local Government accounts. Politicians elected as, Chairmen, Councilors, treasurers, or political appointees are forbidden from being signatories to Local Government accounts.”
The Assembly also warned banks, particularly UBA Plc, against releasing funds to unauthorised persons, stressing that such actions amount to financial crime and will attract legal consequences.
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