𝔾𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕖𝕤 𝕊𝕙𝕠𝕔𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕄𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝔹𝕪 𝕆𝕤𝕦𝕟 𝕋𝕠 ℍ𝕚𝕛𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕃𝔾 𝔽𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕤
Published 3 hours ago on June 8, 2025 By Eyesjournals
The Federal Government has firmly reiterated that state governments have no constitutional authority to control or spend statutory allocations meant for local governments across Nigeria.
This position was reaffirmed in the Supreme Court as part of the Federal Government’s response to a suit filed by the Osun State Government. Osun had sought to compel the federal government to release local government funds for health and education initiatives. However, the FG objected, arguing that states are not permitted to administer or reallocate such funds on behalf of local councils.
In an affidavit sworn by Taiye Hussain Oloyede, a Special Assistant to the President attached to the Ministry of Justice, the FG urged the court to dismiss Osun’s application. The affidavit emphasized that only democratically elected local government councils are entitled to receive and utilize funds directly from the Federation Account, as stipulated by previous Supreme Court judgments.
Oloyede referenced July 11, 2024, ruling in AG Federation v. AG Abia & Ors. which declared:
Local governments must receive their allocations directly from the Federation Account.
No state governor or agency has the power to control, withhold, or spend these funds.
An injunction was issued to restrain any state from tampering with local government finances.
The affidavit stressed that Osun’s current claim contradicts this ruling, particularly since the local councils’ tenures, elected under the previous APC administration, remain valid until October 2025.
Moreover, the FG argued that Osun State had no mandate from its local governments to file the suit. It also highlighted Osun’s admission that it received and spent allocations from July 2024 to February 2025 — in violation of the Supreme Court judgment barring states from doing so.
In a written submission by lead counsel Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), the FG described Osun’s claims as misleading and “shocking.” Olujinmi contended that the state is attempting to usurp control over local council funds, even while admitting the funds were already being paid directly to elected councils.
The FG also raised a preliminary objection, asserting that Osun lacks locus standi (legal standing) to sue on behalf of the local governments. According to the constitution, any grievances concerning local government allocations should be addressed by the councils themselves, not the state government.
In summary, the FG maintained that:
Only democratically elected local councils are entitled to direct allocation.
States cannot collect, manage, or spend local government funds.
Osun’s suit has no legal merit and attempts to bypass constitutional provisions and a binding Supreme Court judgment.
The Federal Government requested that the Supreme Court dismiss the suit in its entirety.
My Takes:
I keep telling them that FG didn't withhold the Osun LG allocation, the funds are already at our various local government accounts, so OSSG must not be looking for what they did not lose.
Anyways, I expected the Sit-at-home Chairmen and Councilors to be aware that it is a game over already and to let supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke and PDP know that the dynasty visit to Mr President "ko so eso ire"
Lori Oro Osun LG allocation, e so pe ....... O ti lo far far
😁😁😁😀😀😀😂😂😀😁🤣🤣😁😁
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