Osun Monarchs Cry Out Over Withheld Local Government Allocations, Urge Tinubu’s Intervention

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Traditional rulers across Osun State, under the aegis of the Osun Council of Obas, have raised deep concerns over the prolonged withholding of Local Government allocations, warning that the situation has crippled grassroots administration and worsened the economic hardship faced by rural communities across the state.

The monarchs, led by the Permanent Chairman of the Council and Arole Oduduwa, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, made their position known during a press conference held at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife on Tuesday.

Traditional Rulers Appeal to Tinubu

Speaking collectively, the monarchs appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene, describing him as a “father of the nation” whose decisive action is needed to restore life to the Local Government system.

According to the Council, the non-release of statutory allocations has left Local Government secretariats across Osun inactive for several months, crippling essential services such as market regulation, rural road maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Obas also stressed that traditional institutions, which are sustained through a statutory five per cent share of Local Government funds, have been heavily impacted, leaving them handicapped in discharging their roles in community leadership and grassroots mobilisation.

Grassroots Development at a Standstill

In their statement, the monarchs lamented that the paralysis of the Local Government system has translated into untold hardship for ordinary citizens, particularly farmers, traders, and rural dwellers who depend on basic facilities and structures managed at the local level.

“As natural leaders and closest to the people, we are pained by the paralysis that has gr gripped our Local Government system. Our concern is not about politics or personal interests but about the survival of communities and the wellbeing of the vulnerable. The continued seizure of these funds has no connection with the ordinary people who are now suffering greatly,” the Obas declared.

They further warned that the continued neglect of grassroots governance has dire consequences, including the stifling of rural development, erosion of community engagement, and the risk of disillusionment among citizens who feel abandoned by the system.

Call for National Stability Through Local Action

The traditional rulers emphasised that the issue should not be treated merely as a political or judicial matter but as a question of national stability and community survival.

“It baffles us daily to see our Local Government secretariats inactive while our people wallow in hardship. We cannot keep silent when we see our farmlands, villages and markets suffering because of withheld funds,” the Council stated.

They noted that the inability of Local Governments to function effectively undermines national development plans, as grassroots governance is critical for implementing federal and state policies.

Renewed Hope Agenda and the Role of Tradition

The monarchs expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to resolve the crisis, recalling his recent efforts to strengthen the traditional institution by recognising its role in rural development and civic engagement.

They noted that the prompt release of the funds would not only revive the Local Government system but also empower traditional rulers to complement the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the Federal Government.

“We implore Mr President to intervene swiftly in the interest of our people. The resolution of this crisis will not only benefit Osun State but will also reaffirm the place of the traditional institution as a vital partner in governance,” they concluded.

Wider Implications Beyond Osun

Observers believe the concerns raised by the Osun Council of Obas resonate with communities across Nigeria, where similar issues of withheld Local Government funds have been reported. Analysts argue that unlocking these allocations could transform rural economies, create jobs, and restore confidence in governance at the most basic level of society.

As the matter continues to attract national attention, expectations remain high that President Tinubu’s intervention will not only address Osun’s plight but also set a precedent for strengthening Local Government autonomy and ensuring accountability in fund management nationwide.

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