Osun Assembly Speaker Defends Local Government Bill Against APC Criticism

The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Honourable Adewale Egbedun, has dismissed allegations by the All Progressives Congress that the assembly's recent local government legislation undermines the Supreme Court's autonomy judgment, describing the claims as "misleading and politically motivated."

In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Olamide Tiamiyu, Egbedun maintained that the APC's condemnation of the Local Government Amendment Number 2 Bill, 2026 was unfounded and reflected desperation on the part of the opposition party.

"We have the mandate of the people of Osun State to legislate. That responsibility cannot and will not be surrendered because of partisan pressure," the Speaker declared. "Our duty is to ensure peace, order and good governance, and that includes strengthening accountability mechanisms where necessary."

The controversy stems from the APC's accusation that the assembly was attempting to circumvent the recent Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments across Nigeria. However, Egbedun clarified that the apex court's ruling did not invalidate the constitutional powers of state legislatures to oversee local administration.

"The Supreme Court judgement does not erase Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution," he explained. "That section expressly empowers state Houses of Assembly to make laws for the proper administration of local governments. Autonomy does not translate into absence of legislative oversight."

According to the Speaker, the amendment was specifically designed to promote transparency and prevent administrative errors in the handling of public funds at the grassroots level, rather than to seize control of local government finances as alleged by the APC.

Egbedun further criticised the opposition's approach, describing their condemnation as premature and ill-informed. He noted that the APC had rushed to issue public statements without properly examining the provisions of the amendment.

"It is surprising that they have not even seen the specific column that was amended or taken time to understand the purpose behind it, yet they rushed to the press with sweeping accusations," he stated. "That approach reflects lack of adequate knowledge and due diligence."

The legislative move by the Osun Assembly highlights the ongoing tension between state governments and local authorities in the wake of the Supreme Court's landmark judgment on local government autonomy. Whilst the court ruling granted financial independence to councils, state legislatures retain constitutional authority to establish frameworks for local administration.

The Osun Speaker's defence underscores the delicate balance between ensuring local government independence and maintaining accountability mechanisms to prevent mismanagement of public resources at the grassroots level.