The Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens (CCNC) has issued a three-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to resolve the ongoing dispute over control of local governments and the withholding of allocations in Osun State.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, CCNC spokesperson Comrade Raufu Sodiq expressed serious concern over the prolonged conflict, warning that it has plunged the state into a severe socio-economic crisis.

Sodiq noted that the withheld funds have caused widespread hardship, saying, “Osun masses are suffering, and the impact of this withheld fund is visible in every community across the state.” He added that field investigations, interviews with community stakeholders, and sectoral assessments revealed that the continued seizure of local government allocations has crippled livelihoods and weakened essential public services.

He further explained the cascading effects on the local economy:

“Many small businesses that depend on local government workers for patronage have suffered declining income, rising debt, and health challenges caused by financial strain. Those who collected goods on credit can no longer repay because sales have collapsed. Traditional rulers are also affected, as many rely on local government funds for salaries and community support initiatives.”

Sodiq also highlighted the disruption of social programs, noting the O’MEAL school feeding program has been severely affected. “More children are dropping out of school and returning to street hawking because O’MEAL cannot continue without funding. About 2,470 food vendors lost their jobs, and nearly 204,000 children were impacted when the program stopped,” he said.

He warned that failure by the Federal Government, Osun State Government, and other stakeholders to act within three days would compel the coalition to take more drastic measures, including nationwide action, to demand justice for the people of Osun.