The Orangun of Ila, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Abdul Wahab Olukayode Oyedotun, Bibire I, has appealed to the Federal Government to release withheld local government allocations to the Ademola Adeleke-led Osun State Government stressing that citizens at the grassroots are bearing the brunt of the situation.
The monarch made the appeal on Thursday at his palace in Ila-Orangun during a meeting tagged “Imole Laafin”, an initiative of the Press Unit, Office of the Governor, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, Council and Chieftaincy Affairs, Osun State.
Responding to questions from the anchor, Segun Fadairo, the Orangun urged the Federal Government to reconsider its position, describing the continued withholding of local government funds as detrimental to the welfare of the people.
“We are appealing to the Federal Government to please release the local government allocation. If our governor has offended them in any way, they should please forgive him. Citizens are suffering, and this action cannot tarnish the image or reputation of our governor in Osun State,” the monarch said.
He emphasized that governance at the local level depends largely on timely access to allocation, adding that development and service delivery at the grassroots are being affected.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ila Local Government, Hon. Adebisi Nasir Jayeola, commended Governor Ademola Adeleke’s leadership style and performance, describing him as a people-oriented and result driven governor.
“Kabiyesi truly loves our governor. We have not had a governor like Ademola Adeleke in Osun State. The 12 years of APC administration cannot be compared with the three and a half years of Governor Adeleke. We have a performing governor, and I want to congratulate Kabiyesi because Governor Adeleke came during your lifetime,” Jayeola stated.
Following the meeting, one of the high chiefs offered prayers for Governor Adeleke, wishing him a successful tenure and electoral victory in the forthcoming elections.
Other government officials represented at the meeting include Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Bunmi Jenyo, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Ayo Fadeyi, a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Sikiru Bajepade, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Alhaji Hon. Bello Rauf Adeniyi, among others.
