The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, has rejected allegations by the Osun State House of Assembly that he is interfering in the affairs of local governments in the state, describing the claims as reckless propaganda and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

Oyetola, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, said the accusations linking him to the administration and disbursement of local government funds are false and politically motivated.

He maintained that local governments enjoy financial autonomy under the law and operate independently of external control, stressing that no individual — including himself — has the authority to interfere in their financial management.

According to the statement, the Minister has no constitutional or statutory responsibility over local government finances and has not issued any directive to financial institutions or council officials regarding fund administration.

Oyetola further accused the Assembly of reviving what he called previously discredited claims, alleging that the narrative mirrors earlier accusations made by Governor Ademola Adeleke. He described the move as an attempt to regain control over council funds despite subsisting court judgments affirming local government autonomy.

“The Osun State Government and the House of Assembly appear uncomfortable with the constitutional and judicial position that guarantees full financial independence for local governments,” the statement said.

He urged the public to disregard the allegations and called on political actors to focus on governance rather than what he termed diversionary tactics.