Mike Ozekhome, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has faulted Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), following the controversy surrounding the withholding of Osun state local government funds.
Osun had sued the AGF, alleging that the federal government failed to release the statutory allocation due to its 30 LGAs for March 2025 — a month after the state held polls that was marred by violence, disputes, and legal battles.
Sacked LGA chairpersons elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had sought to reclaim their seats, citing a court judgement.
Fagbem advised Ademola Adeleke, Osun governor, to direct the state electoral commission to halt the process.
Fagbemi said the ousted LGA chairpersons must be reinstated since the court of appeal had dismissed the judgement of the lower court that sacked them.
But Adeleke proceeded with the polls, prompting the APC to ask the federal government to withhold allocations on the basis of “unlawful” LGA elections.
In the suit, Osun claimed that Wale Edun, the finance minister, upon enquiry of the stalled funds allocation, said he was acting under the AGF’s directive.
However, Fagbemi, represented by his counsel, Akin Olujimi, denied the claim.
Speaking on Channels TVs Sunday Politics, Ozekhome accused the AGF of taking a partisan position by recommending that allocations be released to the sacked APC Osun officials in a letter to Edun.
“The supreme court held that the federal government could never withhold funds meant for local governments in Lagos state,” Ozekhome said.
“If the attorney-general gave proper advice and guidance, which is his role as protector and defender of the people’s interest, I do not see President Bola Tinubu refusing to approve it.
“If he did give the advice and the president ignored it, then he ought to resign.”
The human rights lawyer urged Fagbemi to “stamp his feet on the ground and say no to politics”, while prioritising his allegiance to the country.(the Cable)
