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Islamic Clerics Demand Release of Withheld Osun LG Funds
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Islamic Clerics Demand Release of Withheld Osun LG Funds
•Endorses Governor Adeleke for Second Term
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Islamic clerics under the aegis of Ta’awun Islamic Foundation have called on the Federal Government to release the withheld local government allocations belonging to Osun State, saying the funds are needed to sustain developmental projects and democratic dividends across the state.
The clerics made the appeal on Tuesday during a special Arafat Day prayer session held in Osogbo for peace in Osun State and the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The event also featured endorsements for Governor Adeleke’s second-term ambition, with the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, urging residents of the state to vote massively for the governor.
Speaking at the gathering, the founder of Ta’awun Foundation, Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, commended Governor Adeleke for endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid despite what he described as “acts of victimisation” against Osun State.
According to him, the governor’s action reflected political maturity, patriotism and commitment to national unity.
“This is not just politics; it is a profound demonstration of Yoruba values of honour, dignity and commitment to the greater good,” Molaasan stated.
“Governor Adeleke has shown himself to be a worthy ambassador of the Yoruba people and a leader who prioritises peace and development over conflict and division.”
He urged the Federal Government to reciprocate the governor’s gesture by ensuring fairness to Osun State through the immediate release of the withheld allocations.
“We therefore call on the Federal Government to reciprocate this noble gesture by ensuring justice and fairness for Osun State. The withheld local government allocations allegedly diverted should be released without delay so that the state can continue to deliver democratic dividends to its people,” he said.
Molaasan added that the prayers were also offered for peace, prosperity and divine guidance for Osun State and Nigeria.
The prayer gathering, described as the third state prayer programme under the current administration, attracted Islamic clerics from Osogbo, Ila, Iragbiji, Ilesa, Ede, Ikirun, Ile-Ife, Iwo and other parts of the state.
During the event, the clerics offered prayers for the continued success of Governor Adeleke’s administration, citing various developmental projects executed across different communities in the state.
Also speaking at the Eid prayer ground in Ede, the Timi of Ede declared support for the continuity of Adeleke’s administration beyond 2026.
“We seek and actively support and promote continuity of Imole from Ede to all parts of Osun State till 2030,” the monarch said.
The royal father described Governor Adeleke’s performance as commendable, noting that communities across the state had witnessed improvements in infrastructure, workers’ welfare and governance.
“If they remove posters, they cannot destroy what God has done. What God has done is that Mr Governor will remain in the saddle till 2030,” the monarch declared.
