Osun Council Tussle: IICSD Approaches AGF, Seeks Clarification on Legally Recognised LG Officials

News Update

Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development (IICSD), a youth-led governance and accountability organisation based in Osogbo, Osun State, has written the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, seeking the prompt release of withheld local government funds belonging to Osun State in compliance with the recent Supreme Court judgment on full autonomy for councils.

The letter, received at the Federal Ministry of Justice on December 9, 2025, also demanded official clarification on the legally recognised leadership of the 30 local government councils and area offices in Osun State.

The organisation noted that two conflicting judgments of the Court of Appeal have created uncertainty over which set of officials is authorised to administer the councils and receive statutory allocations.

In the letter signed by its Executive Director, ‘Jare Tiamiyu, IICSD said the ambiguity has stalled effective governance at the grassroots, with both groups of claimants laying hold to the council leadership positions.

It added that residents have long suffered the consequences of weakened local governance, with over 75% losing faith in council effectiveness, according to its 2024 statewide survey.

The group stated: “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.”

IICSD noted that since the Apex Court’s ruling on December 5—which affirmed that local government allocations must be paid directly to councils—the organisation has intensified engagements urging compliance.

The organisation, through its OsunOpenLG project, has recently held multiple advocacy activities, town halls, and radio programmes pushing for transparency and improved service delivery at the grassroots.

Updates posted on its official website and Facebook page show a pattern of calls for timely publication of FAAC allocations, enforcement of autonomy, and clarity on administrative authority across the LGAs.

In the latest move, IICSD urged the AGF to provide legal direction to prevent further confusion among citizens and stakeholders.

It specifically asked the Minister to clarify which officials—those elected in the 2022 local government election or those appointed by the state government in December 2023—are legally recognised following the competing court rulings.

The group said this clarity was necessary to ensure the smooth release, receipt, and utilisation of local government funds in accordance with constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court’s pronouncement.

IICSD reaffirmed its commitment to supporting democratic governance and strengthening civic oversight mechanisms in Osun State.