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The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has alleged that the state government deliberately misrepresented facts surrounding federal funds meant for reinstated council executives.
In a statement issued by Kola Olabisi, its Director of Media and Information on Saturday, the opposition party said comments credited to the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, during a radio programme amounted to “a calculated attempt to confuse residents on the legal and financial status of the local councils”.
The APC claimed the programme was structured to undermine the authority of its reinstated chairmen and councillors.
According to the party, “The radio discussion departed from professional standards. The commissioner influenced the choice of contributors and steered the conversation to favour the position of the Peoples Democratic Party-led administration.
“What should have been an objective public enlightenment programme became a platform for political messaging.”
The APC further accused Alimi of repeatedly attacking federal officials, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, over court decisions affecting local government administration.
It described such remarks as “unhelpful and capable of heightening political tension in the state.”
Emphasising the legal dimension of the dispute, the party argued that existing court judgements, including rulings of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, remain binding until set aside.
“No opinion, however influential, can override the clear pronouncements of a competent court,” the statement said.
The APC urged the state government to desist from inflammatory rhetoric and instead respect judicial decisions.
It also said accurate information was essential to maintaining public trust and democratic stability in Osun State.
Kolapo Alimi, the Osun Commissioner for Information reacting via a phone conversation to DAILY POST said he does not know why the Osun APC is ranting about.
Alimi maintained that the party is misinterpreting the existing laws adding that the interpretation of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, should be respected and it has superceded that of Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
He said, “their claim of being favoured by the February 10, 2025 court judgment has been defeated by the NBA interpretation. The opinion of Lateef Fagbemi SAN is a tainted one since he is an interesting party and also counsel to former governor Adegboyega Oyetola and the APC.”
He asked the Osun APC to deny the allegations of paying billions of Naira from the public ourselves to their counsels.
“Instead of denying the allegations of paying N13 billion to their counsels from the public fund, they are there ranting. They should deny paying N25 billion to the seat at home chairmen. All there have done when Osun State pensioners and languishing and crying. There is no misinformation in our allegations
“The NBA’s position in this matter has exenorated our position that they did not win any case.
“They should point to another state where the local government autonomy law has been implemented. They know they are not signatories to the account and the money will not get to them. The funds in question is for the people.
“The truth is that the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi is an interested party in the case. He is not neutral but the NBA position should be respected.”
Osun LG allocation row: APC accuses state govt of distorting facts
