Osun Sues CBN, AGF Over Local Government Funds

 The Osun State Government has taken the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) to court, alleging attempts to divert local government funds. The Federal High Court case, heard today, exposes deep political and financial tensions.

Presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, the lawsuit claims the CBN and AGF plan to channel local government allocations into private accounts controlled by individuals posing as officials, violating Nigeria’s constitution. 

Reuters reports that Osun’s government argues this undermines a Supreme Court case on local government autonomy and follows disputed 2022 elections pitting the APC against the PDP. The state seeks an injunction to ensure funds reach designated officers, protecting local governance.

The case has divided opinion, with some hailing Osun’s stand for transparency, others seeing it as political maneuvering. For Nigeria, where local government funding is a flashpoint, the lawsuit tests judicial oversight of public finance. As the court deliberates, the outcome could reshape fiscal governance, impacting communities reliant on these funds.