It Was Adeleke, Not Oyetola, Who Destroyed Local Government in Osun
By Salam Mustapha Asmof | July 7, 2025
A ghost group calling itself Concerned Citizens of Osun State recently accused Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, former Osun State Governor and now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, of causing hardship at the local government level. But the truth is clear: their claims are false, politically motivated, and designed to shield the failures of the PDP-led government under Governor Ademola Adeleke.
What Really Happened to Local Government Funds?
There has been growing concern over the delay in local government fund disbursement in Osun. But let no one be misled, Oyetola is not blocking the funds, and neither is the Federal Government.
Here’s what actually happened:
When Governor Adeleke assumed office in late 2022, he illegally sacked all elected local government chairmen and councillors, even though they had only been in office for less than six months.
This unconstitutional action violated both the Nigerian Constitution and standing Supreme Court judgments which protect elected officials from arbitrary removal.
The issue was taken to court — and on February 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure ruled in favour of the APC, recognizing the legality of the Oyetola-era elected officials.
As a result, the APC-elected chairmen and councillors have returned to office, and they are the only constitutionally recognized officials entitled to receive and manage local government allocations.
So why are the funds still being delayed? Because Governor Adeleke and his allies continue to play delay tactics, refusing to accept the court’s judgment — and it is the people of Osun who are suffering from this deliberate hold-up.
This issue has nothing to do with Oyetola. It is about Governor Adeleke breaking the law and refusing to obey the court.
As Governor, Oyetola acted by the book:
He conducted local government elections lawfully.
He did not remove officials without due process.
He ensured workers’ salaries were paid and cleared arrears.
He managed Osun’s finances responsibly, leaving the state as one of the least indebted by 2022.
Now as Minister, Oyetola has stayed focused on his federal duties, avoiding unnecessary distractions. He is not playing politics — he is delivering results.
Don’t Drag Tinubu into Adeleke’s Crisis
It is dangerous and dishonest for any faceless group to try to link President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to this matter. President Tinubu is not involved in any illegal activities in Osun. In fact, he has consistently stood for rule of law and democratic governance.
If anyone is trying to damaging President Tinubu’s reputation in Osun, it is Governor Adeleke and his political puppets, not Oyetola or Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Let’s ask the tough questions:
Where is this faceless group registered?
Where is their office?
Who funds them?
The so-called “Concerned Citizens of Osun State” have no known structure, no registration, no public record, just a noise and crying to defending a failing government of Adeleke, Until they prove their legitimacy, their words should not be taken seriously.
Let’s summarize the facts:
Adeleke illegally removed elected council chairmen.
The Appeal Court in Akure ruled against Adeleke’s action on February 10, 2025.
APC-elected chairmen and councillors are back in office and should be receiving LG allocations.
Oyetola did not block any funds — the delay is being caused by Adeleke and his refusal to obey court orders.
President Tinubu is not to blame. He remains committed to fairness and justice.
Adeleke and his team must stop playing politics with the people’s lives.
Osun people are wise. We know who is truly working for our progress and who is using lies to cover up failure. Truth is truth. Lies will always collapse.
The courts have spoken. The delay must end. Adeleke and his team should stop the blame game and let the rule of law prevail.
About the Writer:
Salam Mustapha Asmof is a public affairs analyst based in Ile-Ife. He writes on governance, politics, and justice in Nigeria. salammustapha01@gmail.com
