Osun

NGO Writes AGF, Seeks Release of Osun LG Funds, Clarification on Recognised Council Officials

BySodiq Yusuf

PublishedDecember 21, 2025

The Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development (IICSD), a youth-led governance and accountability organisation based in Osun State, has written the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), seeking the release of withheld local government funds belonging to Osun State.

In a letter received at the Federal Ministry of Justice on December 9, 2025, the organisation urged the Federal Government to comply with the recent Supreme Court judgment granting full financial autonomy to local government councils.

IICSD also requested official clarification on the legally recognised leadership of the 30 local government councils and area offices in the state, citing conflicting judgments of the Court of Appeal that have created uncertainty over lawful council administration.

The letter, signed by the organisation’s Executive Director, ‘Jare Tiamiyu, noted that the ambiguity has stalled effective grassroots governance, with rival claimants laying hold to council leadership positions.

The group said residents had suffered prolonged setbacks in service delivery, adding that its 2024 statewide survey showed over 75 per cent of residents had lost confidence in local government effectiveness.

IICSD stressed that clarity was crucial following the Supreme Court’s December 5 ruling directing that allocations be paid directly to councils.

The organisation urged the AGF to issue clear legal guidance to ensure smooth release, receipt and utilisation of funds, and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening transparency and democratic governance in Osun State.

Sodiq Yusuf

Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.