Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has once again appealed to the Federal Government to release statutory allocations meant for local governments in the state, insisting that the continued withholding of the funds is unconstitutional.

The governor’s renewed call follows a fresh report by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which backed Osun’s position on the lingering local government crisis. Speaking through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Wednesday, Adeleke said the NBA’s findings proved that his administration had acted within the law.

“We are vindicated on all fronts,” Adeleke declared. “The NBA has confirmed there is no legal basis for the continuous withholding of Osun’s local government allocations.”

He clarified that the removal of All Progressives Congress (APC) council chairmen in 2022 was not a decision of his administration but was carried out based on a court order. “The NBA has dispelled the false claims against us. This is not politics—it is about respect for the constitution,” he added.

The governor appreciated the support of the Osun State Council of Obas, community leaders, and civil society groups, who had all spoken up in favour of releasing the funds. He argued that the resources belong to the grassroots and that denying local governments access to them was slowing down development.

“The resources are meant for our people at the local government level. Withholding them is denying the masses access to development,” he stressed.

Adeleke assured that once released, the funds would be used transparently and strictly for the benefit of the people. “Our government will continue to be accountable. Every naira received will be used in the interest of our people,” he said.

However, the Osun State chapter of the APC faulted the NBA’s intervention, describing it as unnecessary and “shameful.” In a statement signed by its chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, the party accused the NBA of acting outside its jurisdiction and attempting to play the role of a court.

“The NBA has no locus to review or interpret the judgment of the Court of Appeal,” the APC argued, warning that the association’s intervention could mislead the public.

Despite the disagreement, Adeleke maintained that the issue goes beyond party politics. “This is not about Governor Adeleke. This is about Osun people and their rightful share of national resources,” he said, vowing to continue pressing for a fair resolution.