Group questions budgetary provision, cites pending court cases

The Watchdogs for Good Governance has warned the 33 local government chairmen in Oyo State against releasing council funds for the planned December 29 local government election, questioning the legality and financial implications of a proposed N4.28bn funding arrangement.

The group alleged that the councils were being pressured to contribute N2.57bn towards the exercise despite claims that no provision was made for the expenditure in their 2026 budgets.

Under the proposed arrangement announced by the state government, the local governments are expected to bear 60 per cent of the election cost, amounting to N2,566,800,000, while the state government will contribute the remaining 40 per cent, or N1,711,200,000.

The controversy followed an announcement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, that the State Executive Council had approved funding for the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct the election scheduled for December 29.

But the Watchdogs for Good Governance, in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its convener, Comrade Ahmed Adeyemo, questioned why the councils should commit billions of naira to the election when, according to the group, the expenditure was not captured in their approved budgets.

Adeyemo argued that the proposed spending could further limit the resources available to local governments to address pressing needs in their communities, including bad roads, inadequate infrastructure and poor access to primary healthcare.

“Where is the budgetary provision for OYSIEC? Why resort to milking the councils dry when grassroots communities are grappling with bad roads, lack of basic infrastructure and poor access to quality primary healthcare?” he asked.

The group also raised concerns over pending court cases challenging the conduct of the election, warning that the councils could face financial consequences if the exercise were subsequently nullified.

According to Adeyemo, at least three suits had been filed by members of the Allied Peoples Movement over the election, including grievances relating to the selection of chairmanship and councillorship candidates across the 33 local government areas.

He maintained that proceeding with the election while the cases remained pending raised questions about the prudence of committing such a substantial amount of public money to the exercise.

“Spending billions on an election that is sub judice and may be voided by the courts is the height of administrative irresponsibility and financial recklessness,” Adeyemo said.

The group further alleged that council chairmen were under intense pressure from the state government to release their respective contributions, although it did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate the claim.

It consequently urged the chairmen not to authorise any transfer of council funds for the election without addressing the budgetary and legal concerns it had raised.

Adeyemo warned that any chairman found to have improperly diverted public funds for the exercise should be held accountable, insisting that local government resources should be used to meet the needs of residents.

“The funds belong to the people of Oyo State for development, not for funding an election whose legality is being contested,” he said.

The group called on the relevant authorities to clarify the financial arrangements for the election and address the concerns surrounding the pending litigation.

Efforts to obtain reactions from the affected council chairmen as of press time were unsuccessful.

The League of Veteran Journalists, Oyo State, has distanced itself from a lecture scheduled for Monday, October 26, at the Millennium Hall of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, saying the event is not being organised by the body.

The League, in a statement signed by its chairman, Banji Ogundele, described the purported organiser, the Veteran Journalists’ Association of Nigeria, as a “phantom organisation” and warned members of the public against being misled over the event.

It maintained that the League of Veteran Journalists, established in 1988, was the only recognised body of veteran journalists in Oyo State.

Ogundele said the clarification became necessary to protect the integrity of the journalism profession and prevent individuals from allegedly using the name of veteran journalists for personal interests.

According to the League, its membership comprises journalists and media practitioners who have spent at least 25 years in the profession.

Among its members, the statement listed prominent media figures, including Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Felix Adenaike, Bamiji Ojo, Layi Agbaje, Tunde Akingbade, Agboola Sanni, Kola Animasaun, Jare Ajayi, Bose Oyewole, Oladele Idris, Biodun Oduwole, Lanre Ogundipe, Shade Haastrup and Bolaji Kareem.

The League said its objectives include promoting press freedom, upholding professional ethics, encouraging public awareness through discussions and critical reviews, as well as protecting the welfare and interests of its members.

It added that the organisation remained committed to advancing the journalism profession and safeguarding its reputation.

The League urged members of the public to take note of its position on the planned lecture, stressing the need to protect the profession from actions it believes could undermine its credibility.

The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has mourned the death of Crown Football Club driver, Yinusa Popoola Amole, who died from injuries sustained in a road accident on the Ijebu-Ode Road.

Alli also prayed for the speedy recovery of the club’s injured players and officials, who are receiving treatment following the crash.

The Crown FC team, popularly known as the Ajilete Warriors, was travelling to Ijebu-Ode for the AFH Pre-Season Tournament ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League season when the accident occurred.

Amole, 54, reportedly died on Thursday night after battling injuries sustained in the crash.

In a condolence message personally signed by him, Alli described the incident as a painful loss to the club and the entire football community in Oyo State.

He said he received the news of the accident with shock and profound grief, noting that Amole’s death was particularly painful because he died while performing his duties.

“This is heartbreaking in its rawest form. To lose Mr Yinusa Amole, a loyal, dedicated and hardworking man who died in active service to our darling state, is devastating,” he said.

The senator described the deceased as an integral member of the Crown FC family, adding that his contribution to the club went beyond his role as a driver.

Alli extended his condolences to Amole’s immediate family, the club’s chairman, management, technical crew, players, supporters and the people of Ogbomoso.

He also expressed concern for the injured players and officials, praying for their full recovery.

“I also pray for the speedy and complete recovery of our injured players and officials who are currently receiving treatment. May God speed up their healing,” he added.

Alli reaffirmed his solidarity with Crown FC at what he described as a difficult moment for the club, noting that the team remained a source of pride to Oyo State.

He prayed that God would comfort Amole’s family and grant the entire Crown FC community the strength to bear the loss.