If APC Diverted LG, Pensioners’ Funds, I Can’t – Adeleke

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused the All Progressives Congress of diverting local government funds running into N300 billion, claiming the action has stalled several state projects and forced his administration to step in for over a year.

The governor said his government now pays salaries of local government workers, primary school teachers, health workers and pensioners to prevent total collapse at the grassroots. “If Osun APC lacks conscience by diverting funds meant for local workers to their personal use, I cannot do it,” Adeleke declared through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

He insisted the court-sacked APC chairmen criminally hijacked the money in violation of local government finance laws, leaving the state with no choice but to redirect funds originally meant for infrastructure.

NaijaChoice News reports that Adeleke spoke during a stakeholders meeting where he reviewed ongoing projects across the state. He warned that without state intervention, health and education services at the local level would have crumbled, adding more hardship on ordinary Osun people.

The opposition All Progressives Congress fired back immediately, describing the governor’s claim as cheap blackmail aimed at shifting blame. In a statement by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party said Adeleke instructed senior local government workers not to release payment vouchers.

APC insisted the reinstated council chairmen have ready funds to settle salaries, allowances, leave bonuses, cooperative deductions and pension bonds but cannot proceed because the governor is withholding vital electronic vouchers and actuarial registers. “The governor is the one responsible for the non-payment of the salaries and allowances,” Olabisi stated.

The party appealed to pensioners and workers to pressure Adeleke to release the documents so the councils can pay what is due. It assured affected staff that their entitlements would be settled once the “vindictive hold” on the papers is lifted.

The fresh disagreement highlights the lingering tension over local government autonomy in Osun, months after the Supreme Court ruling granted councils financial independence. Both sides continue to trade blame while thousands of grassroots workers and retirees wait for their pay.