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Adeleke to challenge FG in Supreme Court over withheld LG allocations
The government of Osun State has filed a suit at the Supreme Court of Nigeria against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) over the alleged unlawful withholding of statutory allocations meant for its 30 local government councils since March 2025, according to Nigerian Tribune.
In the originating summons filed on Monday on behalf of the Osun State by a team of lawyers led by Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, the state is asking the apex court to compel the Federal Government to release all withheld funds and to stop what it described as “an unconstitutional and arbitrary seizure” of local government allocations.
The plaintiff, Attorney-General of Osun State, argued that the AGF failed to comply with subsisting judgments of both the Federal High Court, Osogbo Division, delivered on November 30, 2022, and the Court of Appeal ruling of June 13, 2025, which recognized the local government chairmen and councilors elected on February 22, 2025.
The originating summons is supported by a 35-paragraph affidavit deposed to by the state commissioner for finance, Mr Ogungbile Adeola Olusola.
According to the summons, the AGF, in a March 26, 2025 letter, had advised that the funds be withheld pending resolution of what he described as a local government crisis in Osun.
However, Osun State insists that the Court of Appeal ruling settled the matter, affirming the legitimacy of the February 2025 elections, and nullifying the October 15, 2022 local government polls conducted under the previous administration.
The state is seeking multiple declarations, including that the AGF has no constitutional power to withhold local government allocations nor to act in contravention of valid court judgments.
It also wants the Supreme Court to order the immediate release of all allocations withheld since March, to be paid directly into the accounts of the duly elected councils.
Among its prayers, Osun is asking for a perpetual injunction restraining the AGF from withholding, suspending, or seizing local government funds in the future, so long as democratically elected councils are in place in the state.
“The seizure, suspension, withholding and/or refusal to pay the allocations and revenues due to the constituent local government councils of the Plaintiff State… is unconstitutional, unlawful, wrongful and ultra vires the powers of the Defendant,” part of the suit reads.
The summons emphasizes that by virtue of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the existence of democratically elected local government councils is guaranteed, and that the AGF is duty-bound under Section 287 to enforce decisions of the courts, not undermine them.
The plaintiff raised the following five issues for determination: Whether having regard to the clear and unambiguous provisions of Section 287 (2) & (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which mandates all authorities and persons, including the Defendant herein, to enforce the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court of Nigeria, is the Defendant not under a constitutional obligation to enforce/give effect to the judgment of the Federal High Court, Osogbo Judicial Division, delivered on the 30th day of November, 2022 in Suit no FHC/OS/CS/103/2022 and more particularly the ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on 13th June, 2025 in Appeal no CA/AK/15/2025 which declared the said Federal High Court’s judgment as the authority regulating the state of affairs of Local Government Councils in the Plaintiff State; such that the contravening act(s) of the Defendant as disclosed in its affidavit of urgency of 13th August, 2025, ought to be declared a nullity.
Whether the said ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on 13th June, 2025 in Appeal no CA/AK/15/2025 does not constitute a clear bar to the advice and opinion of the Defendant as expressed by him in his letter dated 26th March, 2025, such that the Defendant ought not to have again expressed such advice and/or opinion in view of the clear pronouncement of the Court of Appeal which favours the Local Government Chairmen and Councilors elected in the Plaintiff State on 22nd February, 2025, as against those purportedly elected on 15th October, 2022?
“Whether the Federation acting through the Defendant in his capacity as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, can in any form whatsoever assume the constitutional role of this Honourable Court, as it appears to have done and/or attempted to do in an affidavit of urgency which it caused to be filed before the Federal High Court on the 13th of August 2025.
“Whether upon being served with the ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on 13th June, 2025 in Appeal no CA/AK/15/2025, which ruling constitutes the latest in time delivered by the said Court of Appeal in respect of the perceived Local Government crisis in the Plaintiff State, the Defendant can still continue to hold on to any perceived Local Government crisis in Osun State as the reason for its failure to pay the statutory allocation due to Local Governments in Osun State.
“Whether upon being served with the ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on 13th June, 2025 in Appeal no CA/AK/15/2025, and which to the knowledge of the Defendant, none of the parties had appealed against, the Defendant is not under a constitutional obligation to withdraw his advice/opinion contained in his letter dated 26th March, 2025 and direct that all the withheld funds of the Local Government Councils in Osun State be released forthwith to the democratically elected Chairmen and Councillors elected pursuant to the election conducted on 22nd February, 2025 and sworn in on 23rd February, 2025.
“Upon a proper construction of Section 7(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which guarantees the existence and subsistence of democratically elected Local Government Councils in all the States of the Federation including the Plaintiff State, whether the act of the Defendant in withholding, suspending and/or seizing the statutory allocations due to the constituent Local Government Councils of the Plaintiff State since March 2025 till date without any lawful justification whatsoever, does not pose a threat to the existence, governance and/or subsistence of the democratically elected Local Government Councils in place in the Plaintiff State.
Simultaneously, the state has filed another suit at the Federal High Court, Osogbo, challenging the decision of the court to transfer an earlier case on the funds from Osogbo to Abuja for hearing. The suit, originally adjourned till November 2025 sought to stop moves by the Federal Government to pay the allocations to court-sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) council officials.
On August 25, 2025, Osun State Attorney-General, through counsel Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), filed a motion before the Federal High Court, Osogbo, seeking a stay of proceedings in that Suit No: FHC/OS/CS/94/2025 pending determination of the fresh Supreme Court case. The state warned that proceeding with the case at the lower court while the apex court is seized of the matter could result in conflicting judgments.
In an affidavit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Olufemi Akande Ogundun, described the Federal Government’s actions on the funds as “an affront to the rule of law.”
He argued that only the Supreme Court can conclusively determine the constitutional issues raised, citing precedents such as A.G. Kano State v. A.G. Federation (2007) and RMAFC v. A.G. Rivers State (2023).
The Osun government is also opposing a directive of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, contained in a letter dated August 21, 2025, transferring the case from Osogbo to Abuja to be heard by a vacation judge.
In its motion on notice, the state asked the court to set aside the “purported fiat,” arguing that it violates both the court’s rules and the Chief Judge’s own vacation notice of May 28, 2025, which designated Lagos as the nearest vacation court for cases from Osogbo.
The state further accused the AGF of “self-induced urgency,” noting that despite being served with originating processes, he failed to respond for over 80 days before filing an affidavit of urgency on August 13, 2025. According to Osun, the Chief Judge’s transfer order “casts the lot of the court with the AGF” and risks creating a perception of bias.
With the matter now before the Supreme Court, the state government has urged the judiciary to halt all lower court proceedings until the apex court resolves the substantive issues.
No date has yet been fixed for hearing of the suits.
…Says Project Symbolises Renewed Hope Partnership
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, performed the groundbreaking for the reconstruction of the Warri–Sapele–Benin Dual Carriageway in Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas, declaring the project a symbol of renewed collaboration between the Federal and State Governments for the benefit of Nigerians.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said the project represented “another major step forward in the infrastructure renewal drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Delta State Government.”
He described the Warri–Sapele–Benin Road as a critical national infrastructure connecting major cities across the South-South and providing access to Edo and other parts of the federation.
“The section we are flagging off “covers a dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement, expanded shoulders, and extensive stormwater drainage systems, all designed to provide durability and ensure the safety of road users.”
Governor Oborevwori noted that the initiative underscored the gains of synergy between the two tiers of government, emphasizing that development becomes faster when governments work together in the interest of the people.
“Although this road is a federal route, the users are Deltans and Nigerians, and their safety and comfort are what matter most to us,” he said.
The governor further disclosed that the Delta State Government had paid ₦10 billion in compensation to facilitate the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge access road project, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity between Asaba, Onitsha, and adjoining communities.
He lamented the hardship long suffered by commuters and transporters on the Warri–Sapele–Benin route due to its deplorable condition, noting that the reconstruction would enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and spur economic growth.
He said: “Beyond these economic benefits, the project will also strengthen security. Criminals often exploit bad roads to commit crimes. Once completed, this highway will make movement safer and improve the response of security agencies.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Delta one of the safest states in Nigeria through strategic investments in infrastructure, peace, and security.
He also promised that the requests of the people of Uvwie Kingdom partaining the Mother and Child Hospital and provision of 500KVA transformer, would be looked into.
“At over sixty years of age, I am not here for personal gain but to leave lasting legacies that generations will remember me for. By the time I leave office, I want Deltans to proudly say, ‘Oborevwori did this, Oborevwori did that,’” he said before officially flagging off the project from Effurun Roundabout by spare parts market to after Ohore, before Ometan Bridge.
Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the project is the brainchild of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori whom he described as a visionary leader determined to transform Delta’s infrastructure landscape.
“This 10km project stretches five kilometres on each side and features an 8.8-metre-wide carriageway on both lanes, far beyond the standard 7.3 metres,” Izeze said, praising the governor’s foresight and commitment.
He said the project would be completed within 12 months, adding that the state would celebrate another landmark achievement that would enhance trade, transportation, and community life.
General Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Engr. Thomas Feng, thanked Governor Oborevwori for the confidence reposed in the firm, promising to deliver the project in record time and to the highest standards.
“Today’s ceremony marks the beginning of a renewed era of infrastructure that will promote safer travel, stronger connectivity, and lasting economic growth for the people of Delta State,” Feng said.
Earlier, Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Chief Anthony Ofoni, flanked by his Okpe Local Government Council counterpart, commended the governor for his people-centred leadership and announced that the Airport Road in Effurun would be named as “Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori Way” in recognition of his vision and enduring legacy.
Also speaking, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Chairman of the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers, lauded the governor’s administration for prioritizing key infrastructure projects in Uvwie and across the state.
He noted that ongoing works such as the three flyovers and road expansions in Effurun and Warri had transformed the urban landscape and accelerated economic activities.
Representative of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Okakuro Mike Afe, joined in commending the governor for his developmental strides, praying for his successful completion of an eight-year tenure to consolidate the gains of the MORE Agenda.
The event attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and captains of industries, all of whom hailed the project as a beacon of renewed hope for the people of Delta and beyond.
The Founder and President of Atiba University Oyo, James Adesokan Ojebode, PhD, ALA(CSN) JP has expressed deep concern over reports that some Federal universities have allegedly refused to accept the recently released National Examinations Council (NECO) results from admission seekers.
In a statement issued in Oyo, Ojebode described the development as “unjust, discriminatory, and inconsistent with Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education.” He lamented that many candidates who initially applied with Awaiting Results were later denied admission after NECO released their results — a situation he termed “a denial of the fundamental right to education and a reflection of administrative insensitivity.”
Ojebode therefore called on the Federal Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and NECO to urgently intervene and ensure that all affected universities reopen their admission portals to allow candidates upload their results. He noted that “education must remain a tool for empowerment, not exclusion.”
He further emphasized that proper coordination among examination and admission bodies is crucial to maintaining the credibility of NECO, the integrity of Nigeria’s admission process, and the public’s confidence in the education system.
Atiba University Oyo
7th October, 2025.
Prophet Boris Jedidiah, a prominent cleric from Cameroon, has made a significant announcement regarding the upcoming 2027 presidential election in Nigeria.
He claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory is assured by divine intervention.
In a video that has gained widespread attention on his YouTube channel, the prophet asserted that he received a revelation from God indicating that no political opposition would be able to prevent Tinubu’s re-election. This statement has stirred considerable interest and discussion in political circles.
According to Jedidiah, “During the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, a governor who is presently governing a state of Nigeria is going to stand as a presidential candidate. But The Lord said to me that this governor is not going to become the president of Nigeria. His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, is going to be declared the president of Nigeria during the 2027 Nigerian presidential election.”
He further emphasized that any Nigerian governor or politician who rises against President Tinubu’s mandate would be acting against God’s divine purpose for the nation.
The prophecy has since attracted wide reactions on social media, with supporters of the president welcoming the message, while others questioned the growing trend of foreign clerics predicting Nigeria’s political future.
Nigeria’s next general elections, which will include the presidential and National Assembly polls, are scheduled for 2027.
The Delta State Executive Council (EXCO), Thursday approved key fiscal documents setting the stage for the preparation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, alongside the construction of 10 new residential quarters for Judges across the state.
The State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the end of the EXCO meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, in Asaba.
Ekedayen said the Council considered and approved the economic fiscal update, fiscal policy strategy, and the budget policy statement, critical documents required by law and fundamental to the preparation of the 2026 budget.
He explained that; “before the commencement of any budget process, there must be a set of assumptions, and it is those assumptions that the Executive Council considered and approved today.
“The document will now be transmitted to the State House of Assembly for the enactment of the necessary laws to enable us commence the actual budget preparation.”
According to him, the assumptions for the 2026 fiscal year are aligned with national parameters agreed upon by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to ensure uniformity across states.
“This uniform basis will make it easier to integrate the budgets of sub-national governments into a national framework,” Ekedayen said.
He listed the key macroeconomic assumptions as follows: – Oil production: 1.7 million barrels per day; exchange rate: ₦1,500 to $1; GDP growth rate: 3.4%; Inflation rate: 23%.
He said these figures would guide the State’s Ministry of Economic Planning in designing the 2026 budget, which will subsequently pass through EXCO approval before being presented to the State House of Assembly.
“Today’s approval signals the beginning of the new budget season for Delta State,” he added.
Also briefing journalists, the State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele, said EXCO approved the construction of 10 new judges’ quarters in Asaba, Warri, and Osubi as part of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of the judiciary.
“His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, believes in balancing all arms of government — the executive, legislature, and judiciary,” Angele said.
Angele said: “We already have commissioners’ and legislative quarters in Asaba. It was therefore necessary to provide befitting accommodation for our Judges.”
He explained that the project, approved as the first phase, will feature four-bedroom duplexes for 10 judges, five in Asaba and five in Warri/Osubi and designed for comfort and security within designated judicial residential clusters.
“This is a new construction and not renovation. It is part of our administration’s effort to ensure the judiciary functions in a conducive and secure environment,” Angele added.
The Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) approved the disbursement of ₦10 billion on Thursday to offset the pension liabilities inherited from previous administrations in the state.
The meeting, which was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, was held at Government House, Asaba, on the directive of the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who is on official engagement outside the state.
Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, flanked by his counterparts for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen; Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, said the EXCO deliberated on several life-impacting memos cutting across social investment, infrastructure, and governance reforms.
Aniagwu disclosed that the ₦10 billion disbursement was in fulfillment of Governor Oborevwori’s promise to ease the hardship of pensioners and to detray inherited pension liabilities.
“At today’s meeting, we approved the disbursement of ₦10 billion to begin the process of defraying pension arrears. A committee has been set up to ensure the funds get to deserving beneficiaries without bias or interference,” Aniagwu said.
He emphasized that the move was part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of citizens under the MORE Agenda and making life more livable for senior citizens who had served the state diligently.
Aniagwu further revealed that the EXCO reviewed timelines for key infrastructure projects, including two major flyovers in Agbor (Uromi Junction) and Ughelli (Otovwodo Junction), being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
He said: “The Agbor flyover, initially scheduled for completion in 24 months, has been revised to 18 months, while the Ughelli flyover has been reduced from 24 to 14 months.
“These adjustments are aimed at delivering the projects faster to ease movement and boost economic activities”.
He added that the council also considered the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) presented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, as part of preparations for the 2026 budget, which will soon be presented to the Delta State House of Assembly.
He disclosed that EXCO also terminated some non-performing contracts across the state to ensure efficient project delivery and value for money.
“Some contractors have failed to meet performance expectations, and since the government promptly mobilizes and pays for certified work, we cannot allow delays or negligence,” he stated.
One of the affected projects, he said, is the Igbodo Junction–Ubulu–Uku to Ogwashi-Uku Road, which will be re-examined and re-awarded to a competent contractor in line with the governor’s resolve to open up communities across the 25 local government areas.
Aniagwu also announced the council’s approval for the formal presentation of the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Engr. Mike Oghenovo Orugbo, Okporua I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, following his installation by the kingmakers of the kingdom.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to people-oriented governance, transparency, and accelerated infrastructural renewal across the state.
“Governor Oborevwori has made it clear that projects must deliver value to Deltans. Where contractors fail, we will not hesitate to act in the interest of our people,” Aniagwu added.
Aniagwu gave assurances that Governor Oborevwori’s administration will continue to prioritize human welfare, infrastructural development, and institutional reforms aimed at sustainable growth and prosperity for all Deltans.
President Bola Tinubu, barring any last-minute change, is expected to present his nominee for the post of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the National Council of State today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, according to Naija News.
This comes after the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who handed over to the most senior national commissioner, Dame May Agbamuche-Mbu, in an acting capacity on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
According to sources within the presidency who spoke with Vanguard, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan has emerged as the front-runner to succeed Yakubu and would be announced after the Council of State has been briefed.
“He came highly recommended and has already undergone security screening,” a top official told Vanguard.
Amupitan, a Professor of Law and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, is said to be Tinubu’s preferred choice among the three names pencilled down for the job.
Born on April 25, 1967, in Aiyetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan is a seasoned legal scholar.
He specialises in Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatisation Law, with decades of teaching and administrative experience at the University of Jos.
If confirmed, Tinubu’s swift action will mark a departure from the style of his predecessor, late President Muhammadu Buhari, who allowed the commission to remain in limbo.
During Buhari’s tenure, the mandatory four-man quorum at INEC was not constituted until four months later, creating operational delays.
Naija News understands that today’s Council of State session is expected to seal the choice of Yakubu’s successor and set the tone for Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.
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