LG autonomy not licence for political self-help — Osun govt tells politicians
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The Osun State Government has declared that local government autonomy does not permit political self-help, insisting that it does not allow individuals to unlawfully declare themselves in office, seize public spaces, or attempt to access public funds without legal backing.
The government noted that any attempt to cripple grassroots development or punish innocent citizens in the name of politics is being monitored, adding that the electorate will respond decisively when the time comes.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, made this known on Thursday in a statement issued to journalists, stressing that autonomy does not translate to anarchy and must not be interpreted as justification for actions taken outside constitutional and legal frameworks.
According to him, “Democracy is not a jungle, and Osun will not be turned into one for the comfort of failed politicians, at least not in the desperate interest of a dejected helmsman.”
Alimi maintained that no court, including the Court of Appeal in its judgment of February 10, 2025, ordered the reinstatement of former local government chairmen or councillors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing contrary claims as political manoeuvres.
He said local government funds are meant for grassroots services such as payment of teachers and health workers, support for market women, traditional institutions, sanitation, and community services, and should not be obstructed or weaponised for political purposes.
The commissioner further stated that the withholding or obstruction of local government funds amounts to punishment of citizens at the grassroots, accusing unnamed political actors of twisting court processes and misleading the public over the ongoing local government matter in the state.
He warned that any individual or group weaponising the local government issue, including by obstructing the payment of funds, is not fighting the state government but the people, adding that Osun citizens will respond appropriately when the time comes.
