Reported by: Ijeoma G. | Edited by: Henry Owen
An Oyo State High Court has restrained the United Bank for Africa (UBA) from releasing funds into accounts opened in the names of 30 Local Governments in Osun State by court-sacked APC chairmen and councillors. The ruling, delivered by Justice A.L. Akintola on Friday, 26 September 2025, follows legal action initiated by the Attorney-General of Osun State, challenging the recent disbursement of federal allocations by the Federal Government.
The interim injunction halts all payments into the controversial accounts, pending the hearing of a full motion for an interlocutory injunction set for 3 October 2025. In granting the order, the court emphasized the urgency of protecting the statutory funds from being misappropriated, warning that any delay could result in irreversible harm to the local governments.
The ruling has elicited strong public reactions across Osun State. Many residents expressed relief and applauded the court for upholding the rule of law, noting that paying local government funds into accounts controlled by removed politicians undermines democratic governance. Social media users and community leaders described the Federal Government’s previous action as “alarming and unprecedented”, warning that ignoring judicial authority risks creating political instability and mistrust in state institutions.
Experts in public finance and governance have also weighed in, stressing the implications of the case. Professor Adebayo Olufemi, a political economist at the University of Ibadan, stated that the matter highlights the importance of due process and financial transparency, particularly in the management of statutory allocations. He noted that the use of unauthorized accounts for public funds not only violates the law but sets a dangerous precedent for political interference in local governance. Similarly, Dr. Funke Adeoye, a constitutional lawyer, emphasized that adherence to court directives is fundamental to maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions and ensuring that resources are used for the intended beneficiaries.
The interim order has reignited discussions about the separation of powers, accountability, and the proper management of local government resources. Citizens and experts alike are closely watching the upcoming hearings, emphasizing that the preservation of judicial authority is crucial to sustaining good governance in Osun State.
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