Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has denied allegations by the Osun State House of Assembly that he interfered in the administration of local governments in the state, including the disbursement of council funds and issuing directives to banks.
Responding to the claims, the minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Bolaji Akinola, described the accusations as fabricated, malicious and politically motivated. He stressed that local governments across the country enjoy full financial autonomy under the Constitution.
In a statement reacting to remarks attributed to the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, Akinola said attempts to link Oyetola to local government finances were reckless propaganda aimed at diverting attention from the state government’s challenges and ongoing legal issues.
He maintained that the minister has no constitutional or statutory role in the administration or disbursement of local government funds and has never issued instructions to banks or interfered in the running of councils in Osun.
According to him, the allegations merely repeat what he called discredited claims earlier promoted by the state government in what he described as a desperate effort to regain control of council funds contrary to existing court rulings.
Akinola noted that both the state government and the House of Assembly appear uncomfortable with the constitutional provision granting full financial independence to local governments, a position he said has been affirmed by the Supreme Court.
He referenced the Supreme Court judgment which granted financial autonomy to local governments nationwide and barred state governors from interfering in their operations or appropriating their funds, describing the decision as final and binding.
The aide also cited a Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated elected local government chairmen in Osun, adding that the judgment stands enforceable since it was not appealed. He said the reinstated officials are therefore the lawful administrators of their councils.
Dismissing suggestions that the chairmen are illegal, Akinola insisted they were duly elected and restored to office by a superior court.
He further accused the state government of filing multiple lawsuits that have slowed down council operations and alleged that an extended strike by local government workers was sponsored to weaken council autonomy.
Akinola reiterated that local governments have the constitutional authority to manage their finances independently, supported by elected councillors who serve as their legislative arms.
He urged Nigerians and civil society groups to defend local government autonomy and resist what he described as attempts to undermine court decisions, insisting that the rule of law must be upheld.
