Osun Assembly Blasts APC Over Alleged Attack on Local Government Oversight

The Osun State House of Assembly today fired back at the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing as “misleading” recent claims that the Assembly had overstepped its constitutional role in overseeing local government finances.

In a statement, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Olamide Tiamiyu, took aim at APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi, saying the allegations reflected either ignorance or a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the law.

“The funds in question, allocated to local governments by the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), are public funds belonging to the people of Osun State,” Tiamiyu said. “Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution empowers the State Assembly to legislate on the structure, finance, and functions of local councils. Acting within this mandate, the Assembly has enacted laws regulating the operations of all thirty Local Government Areas and the Area Office in the state.”

He added that oversight is a constitutional duty designed to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. Section 88 of the Constitution, he noted, gives the Assembly the authority to investigate the use of public money, while the Auditor-General for Local Governments is accountable to the House.

“The Assembly remains committed to safeguarding public funds against mismanagement or diversion, regardless of political affiliation,” Tiamiyu said. “We strongly advise the APC to seek competent legal counsel before issuing further statements that misrepresent constitutional governance.”

The statement underscores the intensifying political tension in Osun State, as the Assembly continues to assert its authority over local government finances amidst accusations from opposition figures.