IICSD Demands Release of Osun LG Funds, Seeks Clarity on Legitimate Council Leadership

 Sodiq Yusuf, IICSD Communications Desk

The Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development (IICSD), a youth-led governance and accountability organisation based in Osogbo, Osun State, has written the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, urging the prompt release of withheld local government funds following a recent Supreme Court ruling on full council autonomy.

The letter, received at the Federal Ministry of Justice on December 9, 2025, also seeks official clarification on the legally recognised leadership of the 30 local government councils and area offices in Osun State.

According to IICSD, conflicting judgments from the Court of Appeal have created uncertainty over which set of officials is authorised to administer councils and access statutory allocations. The organisation emphasised that the ambiguity has stalled effective governance at the grassroots, with rival claimants occupying council leadership positions.

“The uncertainty over recognised council officials has left residents disenfranchised, with over 75% losing confidence in local governance, according to our 2024 statewide survey,” the organisation noted in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Jare Tiamiyu.

The group added: “Knowing who the law recognises is crucial for citizens, civil society groups, and transparency actors, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s directive on full autonomy and the need to release withheld local government funds.”

Since the Apex Court’s ruling on December 5, which affirmed that local government allocations must be paid directly to councils, IICSD has intensified advocacy efforts through its OsunOpenLG project, including town halls, radio programmes, and public campaigns for transparency and effective service delivery.

IICSD urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to provide legal direction to prevent further confusion among citizens and stakeholders. Specifically, the group requested clarification on whether official recognition lies with the officials elected in the 2022 local government election or those appointed by the state government in December 2023.

The organisation stressed that such clarity is essential for the smooth release, receipt, and utilisation of local government funds in accordance with constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court’s ruling.

IICSD reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance and civic oversight in Osun State, calling for decisive action to restore confidence in grassroots administration.