The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the release of statutory allocations withheld from local government councils in Osun State since February 2025.
In a statement on Sunday, the caucus led by Minority Leader Rep. O.K. Chinda described the prolonged withholding of funds as unconstitutional and a threat to grassroots governance. Other signatories included Minority Whip Rt. Hon. Ali Isa, Deputy Minority Leader Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi.
“The withholding of these allocations is a blatant disregard for the rule of law and judicial pronouncements,” the lawmakers said. “Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution clearly entitles local governments to their share from the Federation Account. The Supreme Court has affirmed that the President has no power to suspend or withhold such funds.”
The caucus cited recent rulings of the Court of Appeal and the Osun State High Court, which upheld the authority of elected officials from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to manage the allocations.
They warned that the delay has worsened hardship for workers, pensioners, and families while stalling projects in healthcare, education, and infrastructure across Osun councils.
“The continued withholding of these funds undermines local government autonomy, weakens Nigeria’s federal structure, and erodes confidence in democratic institutions,” the statement added.
The caucus urged the President to act immediately or risk legislative intervention: “We call on the President to direct all relevant authorities to release all funds meant for Osun LGAs without further delay. Failure to do so will compel us to deploy all legislative measures available to uphold the Constitution.”
