Osun

NBA Threatens Legal Action Over Withheld Osun LG Allocations

ByOlamilekan Adigun

PublishedAugust 20, 2025

Asks Tinubu To Release Funds

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has appealed to the Federal Government to immediately release statutory allocations due to local government councils in Osun State.

The association described the withholding of the funds as unconstitutional and a violation of judicial pronouncements.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the state LG allocations have been withheld since February due to the ongoing leadership tussle between the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress.

In a letter addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and signed by NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), and Secretary General, Mobolaji Ojibara, the association threatened to take legal action if the funds is not released.

NBA urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to end what it termed “a dangerous precedent” that undermines the rule of law and weakens democratic institutions.

Referencing Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the financial autonomy of local governments, the association warned that continued withholding of the funds constitutes an affront to clear judgments of both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

“The withholding of allocations meant for local governments in Osun State amounts to a violation of the constitution, a disregard for the rule of law, and an affront to clear pronouncements of the courts,” the NBA said.

NBA emphasised that the President has no power to suspend, withhold, or direct the suspension of statutory allocations due to local councils.

The letter stated that noting that the Association’s National Litigation Committee and Section on Public Interest and Development Law had been directed to engage key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, the Osun State Government, and the National Assembly, on the issue.

“It cannot but constitute clear impunity were it to be true that funds meant for the LGAs are currently being seized or withheld,” the NBA warned, adding that such actions “set a dangerous precedent, weaken public confidence in democratic institutions, and embolden lawlessness at all levels.”

The NBA added that if dialogue fails, it may institute a public interest suit “to put a halt to the continuing desecration, wanton violation, utter disregard and total disrespect of the Constitution and the courts.”

Olamilekan Adigun

Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.