The Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development (IICSD) has petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, demanding the immediate release of Osun State’s withheld local government funds and clear legal clarification on the legitimately recognised council officials in the state.
The call was made in a statement signed by the organisation’s Executive Director, ’Jare Tiamiyu, and released through Sodiq Yusuf, the Senior Communications Officer. The statement was acknowledged by the Federal Ministry of Justice on December 9, 2025.
According to the organisation, conflicting judgments issued by different panels of the Court of Appeal have plunged the 30 local government councils and area offices into uncertainty, with two separate groups currently laying claim to administrative authority.
IICSD said the situation has severely affected grassroots governance, noting that its 2024 statewide survey showed that more than 75 per cent of residents no longer trust the functionality or effectiveness of local government administration.
“Knowing who the law recognises is important for citizens, civil society groups, and transparency actors. This is particularly necessary in view of the Supreme Court’s directive on full autonomy and the need to release withheld funds for local government administration in Osun State,” the statement read.
Following the Supreme Court’s December 5 ruling, which reaffirmed that local government allocations must be paid directly to councils, the organisation said it has intensified its advocacy through the OsunOpenLG project. Recent activities include town hall meetings, radio engagements and public sensitisation campaigns on the importance of transparency and timely publication of FAAC allocations.
IICSD urged the AGF to clearly state whether the law recognises the officials elected in the 2022 local government election or those appointed by the state government in December 2023, stressing that this clarity is crucial to prevent further confusion among citizens and stakeholders.
The organisation added that the clarification will also ensure the smooth release, proper receipt and lawful utilisation of local government funds in accordance with constitutional requirements and the Supreme Court’s pronouncement.
IICSD restated its commitment to strengthening democratic governance, accountability and civic oversight across Osun State.
