By John Dike, Osogbo
The Imole Accord Movement has condemned what it described as the illegal and unconstitutional presentation of the 2026 local government budgets by sacked APC “Yes/No” chairmen in Osun State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Movement said the actions of the affected chairmen, who were removed from office by competent courts, amount to a direct assault on the rule of law and a dangerous attempt to undermine democratic governance in the state.
According to the group, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly Section 7(1), clearly provides that only democratically elected and lawfully recognised local government councils can exercise executive authority at the grassroots.
“The moment a chairman is removed by a court of competent jurisdiction or their tenure expires, all executive powers cease immediately,” the statement read.
The Movement noted that budget presentation is a fundamental executive function and cannot be lawfully carried out by individuals who no longer occupy offices.
It described any such budget presented by the sacked APC chairmen as null, void, and of no legal consequence.
The Imole Accord Movement accused the APC of orchestrating what it called a political charade aimed at misleading the public and creating institutional confusion in Osun State.
“Governance is not theatre and the constitution is not optional. Disobedience to court orders is a grave affront to democracy and must not be tolerated in any civil society,” the group stated.
The Movement further stressed that local government finances are regulated within constitutional and statutory frameworks, including oversight mechanisms and the State Joint Local Government Account, adding that no illegal budget presentation can authorise spending or bind any public treasury.
Describing the actions of the sacked chairmen as “lawlessness dressed as governance,” the group called on security agencies and relevant authorities to immediately enforce existing court orders and put a stop to all illegal activities across local government areas in the state.
The Imole Accord Movement reaffirmed its confidence in the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, noting that the government remains committed to constitutionalism, due process, and people-centred governance.
“Osun State will not return to the dark days of impunity. Court orders must be obeyed. The constitution must prevail, and any attempt to sabotage lawful governance will be firmly resisted within the ambit of the law,” the statement said.
