Outrage Grows Over Alleged ₦130bn Osun LG Funds Freeze as Critics Accuse FG of Politicizing Workers’ Welfare

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Fresh controversy has erupted over the continued withholding of local government allocations due to Osun State, with social commentator Zekeri Idris accusing the Federal Government of allowing political disputes to negatively affect the livelihoods of thousands of workers and their families.

In a strongly worded statement that has generated reactions across social media platforms, Idris criticized the prolonged impasse over local government funding, alleging that allocations meant for the state’s 30 local government areas have remained inaccessible since early 2025.

According to him, the withholding of the funds has had severe consequences for local government employees and their dependents.

“Your government has withheld Osun State allocation since February 2025, all because of politics. These are salaries of family people in 30 local governments. You see Nigeria leaders are not humans, they don’t care about you,” Idris said.

The comments reflect growing frustration among some residents and stakeholders over the prolonged dispute surrounding local government administration and funding in the state.

At the center of the controversy is a political and legal battle between the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke and opposition figures over the control and legitimacy of local government councils following the February 2025 local government elections.

The dispute reportedly led to a decision by federal authorities to withhold allocations pending legal and administrative resolutions regarding which local government officials should receive and manage the funds.

Officials of the Osun State Government have repeatedly claimed that the cumulative amount being withheld exceeds ₦130 billion, with some estimates placing the figure at approximately ₦131.5 billion as of early 2026.

The withheld allocations are said to cover salaries and operational expenses for local government workers, primary school teachers, healthcare personnel, and pensioners across the state’s 30 local government areas.

Governor Adeleke has on several occasions expressed concern over the situation, arguing that the continued withholding of the allocations has placed enormous financial pressure on local government administration and public service delivery.

According to state officials, the government has had to explore alternative funding arrangements to mitigate the impact on affected workers and maintain essential services.

The controversy has also attracted attention because of legal developments surrounding local government autonomy and funding. Stakeholders continue to debate the implications of court decisions relating to the administration and disbursement of local government funds, while calls for a political resolution to the dispute have intensified.

As of June 2026, the impasse remains unresolved, leaving uncertainty over when the disputed allocations will be released and how the issue will ultimately be settled.

For many workers, pensioners, and residents who depend on local government services, the prolonged standoff has become more than a political contest—it is increasingly viewed as a matter affecting livelihoods, public services, and grassroots governance.

With pressure mounting from labour groups, community leaders, and political stakeholders, attention is now focused on whether ongoing engagements between relevant authorities will lead to a resolution of the crisis and the eventual release of the disputed funds.

Reference: Public statement by Zekeri Idris; public comments and positions previously expressed by the Osun State Government regarding local government allocations and funding disputes.