Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of marginalising his state and disregarding the rule of law by allegedly withholding local government funds despite a valid court order.
Speaking at the South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue in Akure, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, said the Federal Government’s actions toward Osun State have been unjust and politically motivated.
He said, “A troubling dimension was introduced earlier this year when the rule of law was replaced with the rule of the thumb. In Osun, federal power is being applied outside the regulation of the constitution, and this has created serious threats to peaceful intergovernmental relations.”
Adeleke alleged that certain security agencies in Osun now act in favour of ruling party operatives, providing them protection even when they violate the law. “Federal party officials boast openly about their power to use security forces to intimidate state officials and hijack the state, whether or not they have public support. They make such provocative statements under full security cover,” he claimed.
According to the governor, the situation worsened earlier in the year when Osun’s local government funds were seized without legal justification, while individuals sacked by a court order were reinstated into office with federal backing.
He lamented that partisan politics had overshadowed governance, noting that despite Tinubu being from the South-West, Osun had continued to face neglect. “Our olive branch to foster collaboration is clouded by political partisanship promoted by operatives of the ruling party at the centre. Partisan considerations now determine federal engagement with Osun State,” he said.
Adeleke called for stronger unity among South-West states and urged leaders to prioritise development over politics. He commended the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission for advancing regional cooperation and proposed a major infrastructure partnership.
“The South-West must rise above political divisions and focus on development. We should pursue projects like a circular cargo railway for the region in collaboration with the Federal Government,” he added.
