OSOGBO — A Nigerian, Michael Adebayo, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the prolonged local government crisis in Osun State, urging the Federal Government to allow the rule of law and democratic institutions to prevail.


Adebayo made the appeal in an open letter addressed to the President, in which he expressed concern over the continued dispute surrounding the administration, control and funding of Osun’s 30 local government areas.


The controversy dates back to the 2022 local government elections and subsequent court proceedings involving the APC-led councils elected under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.


The Federal High Court had nullified the 2022 local government election, while subsequent court proceedings produced conflicting interpretations from the political parties over who had the legal mandate to control the councils. The dispute intensified in February 2025 when the Adeleke administration conducted fresh local government elections, which produced PDP candidates across the state.


In his letter, Adebayo argued that the prolonged dispute had weakened grassroots administration and affected residents who depend on local councils for basic services and community development.


He alleged that some individuals occupying or attempting to control local government structures had repeatedly claimed political protection from the Presidency and the ruling APC.


Adebayo appealed to President Tinubu to instruct those acting in his name to withdraw from the dispute and allow legitimate local government administration to function.


He also raised concerns over the withholding of statutory allocations to Osun's 30 local governments since 2025. The state government has put the amount at about ₦130 billion, while the Federal Government's position has been linked to the unresolved dispute over legitimate council leadership and the ongoing legal proceedings.


The funding dispute eventually reached the Supreme Court. In December 2025, the court struck out the Osun State Government's suit seeking the release of the withheld allocations, ruling that the state government lacked the legal standing to institute the case on behalf of the local governments. However, the court also criticised the Federal Government's seizure of the council funds.


Adebayo maintained that the financial consequences of the crisis have placed additional pressure on the state government, which he said has had to shoulder some responsibilities associated with local government workers.


He further argued that the prolonged dispute could deepen public frustration and weaken confidence in democratic governance at the grassroots.


The writer also referenced the 2027 general election, arguing that the political consequences of the crisis should not be overlooked. He noted that Governor Adeleke has publicly expressed support for President Tinubu's re-election bid, but argued that such political support cannot automatically translate into votes from Osun residents.


Adebayo also raised broader concerns about the economic hardship confronting Nigerians, including rising living costs and the impact of government policies on ordinary citizens.


He appealed to President Tinubu to use his authority to help resolve the Osun local government dispute and restore what he described as functional and legitimate grassroots administration.


“Allow the will of the people and the rule of law to prevail,” Adebayo urged the President, arguing that resolving the crisis could help rebuild public confidence in the state's local government system.


The Osun local government dispute has remained one of the state's most prolonged political and legal controversies, with competing claims of legitimacy, court battles and disputes over access to council funds continuing to affect grassroots governance.