The Ataoja of Osogbo Land, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II, has issued a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging the immediate release of the local government allocations currently withheld from Osun State.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Osun Osogbo Festival 2025, the venerable monarch expressed deep concern over the ongoing financial blockade, warning that it is severely impeding development, destabilizing grassroots governance, and causing widespread hardship among ordinary citizens across all 30 local government areas of the state.
Despite two separate judgments issued by an Appeal Court sitting in Akure, Osun State has been denied access to its federally mandated local government allocations for more than five months. This prolonged withholding of funds has crippled essential service delivery, stalled infrastructure projects, and undermined the livelihoods of many residents throughout the state.
Oba Olanipekun revealed that several traditional rulers have approached him, seeking guidance on how to address the crisis. However, he has refrained from acting unilaterally, awaiting a directive from the leadership of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers.
“I expect our leader in the Traditional Council to summon a meeting that will bring us all together,” he said. “I do not want to jump the gun. As fathers of those holding elected offices, including the Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Deputy Governor, and Chief of Staff, we must unite. Our leader should convene us to organize a delegation to Abuja. Once there, I know what to say: Osun cannot be relegated to the background.”
The monarch emphasized that the issue transcends politics and is fundamentally about the welfare of the people.
“This is not about party lines; this is about human suffering,” he stated. “The hardship faced by our citizens is real and visible, and the delay in releasing these funds is utterly unjustifiable. Osun State must not be singled out for punishment while other states continue to receive their constitutional entitlements.”
Highlighting the irony of the situation, Oba Olanipekun reminded the audience that President Tinubu himself was once a victim of similar financial injustice during his time in Lagos.
“Mr. President experienced this kind of injustice before. It was condemned then, and it must be condemned now. History must not repeat itself under your leadership.”
The Ataoja also lauded Governor Ademola Adeleke for his remarkable achievements despite the financial constraints imposed on the state.
He pointed to the ongoing road construction projects, community development initiatives, and the governor’s dedication to pro-people governance as testimony to what can be accomplished when proper funding is made available.
“The progress Governor Adeleke is making is unparalleled,” Oba Olanipekun affirmed, “yet this momentum is being stifled by a politically motivated financial blockade. If Osun receives its rightful funds, our growth will continue, and we will never forget those who stood with us.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the monarch declared that the people of Osun, led by their traditional rulers, are prepared to deliver massive electoral support for President Tinubu—provided justice is served now. “We will deliver over one million votes,” he pledged, “but only if fairness prevails. Governance must be guided by justice, not politics.”
He concluded by calling on the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers to lead a united delegation to Abuja, articulating the collective voice of the Osun people. “We are ready to speak truth to power,” he asserted.
“Osun is a vital part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, but that hope must be tangible for our people. Enough is enough. President Tinubu should release the funds owed to Osun State without further delay. I also urge those who have access to the president to convey this urgent message: release the money owed to our governor. Once this is done, when election time comes, I will stand firmly behind him.”