The All Progressives Congress (APC) faction of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, has on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo, accusing the state government of failing to grant full autonomy to local government administrations.

The demonstrators gathered at the premises of the Osun State High Court of Justice, carrying placards with various inscriptions and chanting solidarity songs. They called on the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and expressed concerns over what they described as ongoing legal irregularities.

According to the protesters, the action was also aimed at drawing public attention to a case involving United Bank for Africa (UBA), currently before a Magistrate Court in the state. They alleged that the proceedings were unlawful and contrary to existing court orders.

Speaking with Radio Afinju, the Chairman of Obokun Local Government, Engr. Maruf Ogundipe, argued that the matter had already been addressed at higher courts. He maintained that no Magistrate Court has the authority to override decisions of the appellate or Supreme Court.

He further appealed to Magistrate A.A. Adeyeba to act in line with the law and avoid actions that could undermine judicial integrity.

 

 

In a similar vein, the Osun State APC ALGON Secretary, Hon. Barr. Olubisi Oladosu, insisted that the Magistrate lacked the jurisdiction to continue hearing the case, noting that orders had reportedly been issued by higher courts to halt proceedings.

Also speaking, Hon. Samuel Owoeye, popularly known as “Osa” and Chairman of the ALGON Legal Committee for Court Monitoring, alleged that the continued hearing of the UBA-related matter was unlawful. He further accused the state government of interfering in local government affairs through the judiciary.

 

 

 

Owoeye added that the recent distribution of 300 motorcycles to security personnel by local government authorities was part of their constitutional responsibility to address security challenges, stressing that such actions should not be subjected to state interference.

 

 

The association, however, called on the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take note of the situation and intervene in order to safeguard judicial independence and uphold democratic principles in the state.