Osun Youth Movement Urges Tinubu to Release Withheld Local Government Allocation Funds

The Osun Youth Movement has raised serious concerns over the continuous withholding of Local Government (LG) allocation funds by the Federal Government, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and ensure their immediate release.

In a press statement signed by the group’s Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adebayo Gbenga, the youth movement described the situation as a major setback to grassroots development in Osun State and across the country. 

The statement noted that the non-release of LG allocations has paralyzed several developmental projects, leaving many communities without essential infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and educational services.

“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people. By starving them of funds, communities are left in stagnation and citizens are denied basic services,” the statement read.

Osun State, renowned for its cultural heritage and historical importance, has also been severely affected by the fund crisis. Several projects, including road construction, healthcare improvements, and educational initiatives, have been abandoned due to lack of resources. 

The movement maintained that the release of the funds would not only revive these projects but also boost the state’s economic growth and improve the living conditions of its people.

The Osun Youth Movement further stressed that youth must continue to play a leading role in advocacy and governance, noting that their intervention in this matter is a reflection of their commitment to securing the state’s future. 

The group argued that grassroots development is too important to be held back by bureaucratic or political bottlenecks, urging President Tinubu to weigh the long-term consequences of withholding such crucial allocations.

The movement’s appeal was clear: the withheld funds should be released without delay so that local governments in Osun can fulfill their constitutional mandate to deliver services at the grassroots. 

They emphasized that supporting local governments is key to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic foundation and ensuring that development reaches every community.

Concluding the statement, the group expressed hope that President Tinubu would act swiftly, describing the release of the funds as an opportunity for the Federal Government to reaffirm its commitment to the welfare of citizens and the progress of Osun State.

“Why Single Out Osun?” NANS Pleads for Justice, Release of LG Funds

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee (JCC) Osun Axis, under the leadership of Comrade Afolabi Faruq, popularly known as Costa, has issued a fervent appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, and other relevant stakeholders to expedite the release of Osun State's local government allocations.

The appeal was contained in a press statement released by NANS JCC Osun Axis and jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Afolabi Faruq (Costa), and Secretary General, Comrade Joseph Oluwagbohunmi (Heir_Josheey).

According to the statement, the withheld allocations remain a stumbling block to the growth and well-being of the Osun people. “As students, we maintain a neutral stance on partisan politics; however, we cannot idly stand by while our state's progress is stifled,” the association declared.

The funds, earmarked for local governments to tackle pressing issues such as education and infrastructure, have been withheld, precipitating what NANS described as a governance crisis in the state. While acknowledging the complex nature of politics, the association insisted that, as the leader of all Nigerians, President Tinubu must prioritize developmental politics over partisan interests.

“Despite a court ruling that overturned the elections of APC chairmen, the federal government has refused to disburse Osun State's local government allocations. It is disconcerting that Osun is the only state facing this predicament, while other states continue to operate joint accounts with their local governments, even in defiance of the Supreme Court's ruling on local government autonomy. The question remains: why is Osun being singled out?” the statement queried.

NANS JCC Osun Axis further stressed that the withholding of allocations has far-reaching consequences, particularly for students. Teacher recruitment and other developmental projects have stalled, deepening the state’s challenges. The body, however, commended Governor Ademola Adeleke’s leadership, describing his performance as exemplary and surpassing that of his predecessors.

“We, the over 200,000 students of Osun State, stand solidly behind Governor Adeleke, and we are eager to continue supporting his initiatives. His commitment to good governance has not gone unnoticed, and we applaud his efforts to drive progress in our beloved state,” the statement read.

Concluding, the association made a passionate plea to President Tinubu to “have mercy on the people of Osun and release the local government allocations to the elected chairmen who won the February 22, 2025 election, conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution.”

According to NANS, such a step would not only revitalize Osun’s development but also demonstrate the President’s commitment to equity, justice, and the well-being of all Nigerians.