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Osun State Crisis: Federal Government's Defiance of Judicial Rulings Threatens Democracy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A protracted crisis is unfolding in Osun State over the control of its local government councils, with the Federal Government's seizure of statutory allocations sparking controversy. The crisis began in February 2025 when the Court of Appeal dismissed a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) objection to the October 2022 local government elections, allowing the All Progressives Congress (APC) officials to return to power. However, the Federal Government, led by Attorney General Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has refused to recognize the binding judgment, instead directing local governments to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and bypass the lawful signatories.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Crisis has its roots in the October 2022 local government elections, which were marred by controversy and legal challenges from the PDP and Action Peoples Party (APP).
  • The Court of Appeal's judgment on February 10, 2025, was a reinstatement of the APC officials, but the Federal Government refused to recognize it.
  • The Federal Government has directed local governments to open accounts with the CBN, disregarding the lawful signatories and the July 14, 2024 Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy for local governments.
  • The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has condemned this move, calling it a blatant disregard for the law and a violation of the Supreme Court's ruling.
  • The situation in Osun State is a threat to democracy, as the Federal Government's actions may undermine judicial authority and the rule of law.

Statistics:

  • The Federal Government has withheld Osun State's local government funds since February 2025.
  • The Court of Appeal delivered a unanimous judgment on June 13, 2025, dismissing the APC's application to relist its appeals.
  • The July 14, 2024 Supreme Court ruling affirming financial autonomy for local governments has been disregarded by the Federal Government.
  • The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been directed to open accounts with local governments, bypassing the lawful signatories.

Sources:

  • "Osun Crisis: Federal Government Refuses to Recognize Court of Appeal's Judgment on Local Government Elections" (This Day, June 16, 2025)
  • "Nigeria: Supreme Court Affirms Financial Autonomy of Local Governments" (Premium Times, July 15, 2024)
  • "Osun State: APC Senators, Reps, Refuse to Recognize Incoming APC Government in the State" (The Guardian, June 17, 2025)
  • "Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Condemns Federal Government's Actions in Osun State" (Vanguard, June 18, 2025)

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