The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, has hailed the Supreme Court judgment on the dispute over Osun State’s Local Government funds, describing it as a major boost for constitutional order.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola praised the apex court for striking out the case instituted by the Osun State Government against the release of allocations to the dismissed council chairmen.
The Supreme Court, in a 6–1 majority ruling, declared the suit filed by the state’s Attorney-General as defective, stating that Osun lacked the authority to activate the court’s original jurisdiction on behalf of its 30 local government councils. According to the court, local governments are independent constitutional bodies and must institute such actions themselves.
Reacting to the development, Oyetola said the judgment underscores the supremacy of the Constitution and the importance of due process. He further described the ruling as a firm stand in defence of democratic structures.
Oyetola said: “This ruling represents a victory for democracy and the rule of law.
“The Supreme Court has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to justice by refusing to endorse an attempt to subvert constitutional procedures for partisan ends.
“The judgment reinforces the autonomy of local governments as enshrined in our Constitution and sends a strong message that legal processes cannot be manipulated to achieve unlawful objectives.”
He noted that the court had effectively discouraged the misuse of judicial processes for political gains.
Oyetola, who previously served as Osun governor, urged the current administration to honour the court’s decision and place the welfare of residents above partisan considerations. He emphasised that sustainable governance can only thrive when leaders uphold the rule of law.
