– By Prince Jide Akinyooye; ACA
As I reflect on my personal encounter with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, memories of my National Youth Service Corps year flood my mind. It was during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State that I had the privilege of meeting him in person sometime in March, 1999. His leadership style and initiatives left an indelible mark on my perception of effective governance.
A Leader of the People
During his governorship, Tinubu implemented various programs that added value to the lives of Lagosians. His commitment to infrastructure development, education, and healthcare earned him widespread goodwill. These initiatives not only improved the quality of life for residents but also showcased his dedication to public service.
A Call to Action
However, recent events have led to concerns about President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law and fairness. The withholding of Osun State’s local government allocation has sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an overreach of federal authority. As someone who has witnessed Tinubu’s leadership firsthand, I urge him not to let selfish political interests tarnish his legacy.
The Osun State Local Government Allocation Conundrum
The allocation of funds to Osun State’s 30 local government areas has been a contentious issue. Between February and August 2025, these local governments received a substantial billions of naira from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee. It’s essential that President Tinubu considers the implications of withholding these funds and prioritizes the needs of the people as a known Democrat.
The recent actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have left many Nigerians scratching their heads, wondering if this is the same leader who championed democratic values and the rule of law. The withholding of Osun State’s local government allocation since March 2025 has sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an affront to the Constitution and a blatant disregard for the judiciary’s decisions.
The Rule of Law vs. Federal Might
The crux of the matter lies in the Federal Government’s decision to withhold funds meant for Osun State’s 30 local government councils on a baseless ground. However, the Court of Appeal has ruled in favor of the elected councils officials whose election was conducted by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission just like every other states in Nigeria. The Court of Appeal also nullified the October 2022 polls conducted under the previous administration. Despite this, the Federal Government continues to withhold the allocations, raising questions about the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law!
A Breach of Constitutional Provisions
Apart from louder request by the Osun State Traditional Council of Obas on the critical need to release the withheld local government funds; the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has weighed in on the issue, accusing President Tinubu’s administration of violating the Constitution and abusing the rule of law. According to the NBA, the President has no power to withhold statutory allocations due to local governments, as this is a clear breach of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution. The NBA’s stance underscores the importance of respecting constitutional provisions and the separation of powers.
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Contrasting Actions
It’s worth noting that President Tinubu, during his tenure as Lagos State Governor, championed the cause of local government autonomy and fiscal independence. His administration’s current actions seem to contradict these principles, leaving many to wonder about the motivations behind this approach. The Osun State Caucus in the House of Representatives has urged President Tinubu to release the withheld allocations, citing the landmark Supreme Court ruling from 2004 that declared the Federal Government lacks the authority to withhold statutory allocations to states or local governments.
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians are left to ponder whether this is the same President Tinubu who once fought for democratic values and the rule of law. The withholding of Osun State’s local government allocation has significant implications for the country’s democratic development and the well-being of its citizens. It remains to be seen how this matter will be resolved and whether President Tinubu’s administration will prioritize upholding the Constitution and respecting the judiciary’s decisions. One thing is certain, however: the eyes of the nation are on the President, waiting to see if he will act in accordance with the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Conclusion
I implore President Tinubu to heed the clamour for the release of Osun State’s local government allocation. As a leader who has championed democratic values, it’s crucial that he upholds the principles of fairness and justice. By doing so, he will not only maintain the trust of the people but also ensure that his administration’s actions align with the highest standards of integrity.
Let us hope that President Tinubu will take a cue from his past achievements and prioritize the welfare of the people, rather than allowing political considerations to dictate his decisions.
It is still my opinion that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will give Osun State people their “Independence Anniversary gift” by releasing the withheld Osun local government funds before next Nigerian Independence anniversary in 1st October, 2025.
The expectation is based on the perception that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is such a good leader and a democrat who prioritizes the people’s interests, upholds democratic values, and makes informed decisions that promote the well-being and prosperity of all citizens, while respecting individual rights and freedoms.
Prince Jide Akinyooye is the Coordinator of Dee Osun Monitors
