A civil society group, The Osun Masterminds (TOM), has called for urgent dialogue to resolve the ongoing controversy surrounding the management and disbursement of local government allocations in Osun State.
The group made the call during its September State of the State Address, presented by its Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, on Monday in Osogbo.
TOM expressed concern over the growing tension between members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
According to the group, political interests appear to have overshadowed the welfare of the people at the grassroots.
It noted that controversies surrounding the management and disbursement of local government allocations have generated unnecessary tension among political actors, with self-interest placed above the wellbeing of the people.
The group urged stakeholders to convene a round-table meeting to address the crisis, stressing that representatives of the state government, local government officials, political parties, civil society organisations, and community leaders should be involved.
TOM stated that such dialogue would help bridge divides and place Osun above partisan politics.
It added that fostering peaceful coexistence among political interests would require firm commitment from the state government led by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The group maintained that despite recent challenges, dialogue remained the most viable path to resolving the crisis.
It explained that convening a dialogue of this nature would require the state government to stay committed to peaceful coexistence among political actors, describing it as the only way out of the current impasse.
TOM advised that all pending legal disputes regarding the issue should be pursued in court, warning against political brinkmanship and self-help.
The group stressed that the issue was not partisan, but one that concerned the future of grassroots governance and democracy in Osun.
It noted that local governments are the closest tier of government to the people, and denying them the resources to function effectively amounts to weakening governance from the grassroots.
The group called on all political actors to prioritise the collective interest of the people of Osun above political rivalry and competition.
It emphasised that Osun is a common patrimony and must not be destroyed on the altar of political competition.
The group expressed concern over abandoned projects at the Osun State House of Assembly. It noted that almost two years after work began on the Assembly Gate and Assembly Quarters, nothing has been completed.
According to the group, the Assembly Quarters meant to house lawmakers is still abandoned, raising questions about how members have been accommodated and whether state funds are being diverted to provide alternatives.
On road Construction, the group also called on the state government to rehabilitate the Ibokun–Imesi Ile Road and the Ila Orangun Road. It said the roads have become dangerous for users.
It further urged the government to complete other road projects, including the Iwo–Ibadan Road and the Ilesa Township Road, stressing that roads are vital to development and the wellbeing of the people