JUST IN: Protesters Storm Osun High Court Over LG Funds Dispute
Protesters on Wednesday stormed the Osun State High Court in Osogbo, marching from the Government House over the ongoing dispute surrounding the release and control of local government funds in the state.
The protest followed a legal battle involving a Magistrate Court order for the arrest of executives of a new-generation bank in a suit filed by the Osun State Government, which alleged that the bank released funds to reinstate All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen.
However, the Osun State High Court, sitting in Osogbo and presided over by Justice Matthias Agboola, had earlier granted an ex parte order quashing the criminal proceedings against the bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and its officials at the Magistrate Court level.
Despite the High Court ruling, proceedings reportedly continued at the Magistrate Court, a development that sparked opposition from reinstated council officials.
The protesters, who gathered at the Lameco area of Osogbo, marched to the High Court carrying placards with inscriptions demanding respect for court orders and the rule of law, including calls against judicial disobedience and potential anarchy.
Security operatives were deployed to maintain order during the demonstration.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Hon. Maaroof Ogundipe, representing the reinstated council executives, warned that continued proceedings against UBA officials despite higher court rulings could trigger a constitutional crisis.
He also said the group may petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), describing the situation as a serious threat to judicial integrity.
“It is worrisome when court decisions appear to be undermined,” he said.
Similarly, Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Olayanju Kolapo, said several rulings, including a Supreme Court decision delivered in December 2025, had already addressed aspects of the dispute.
He cautioned that disregard for court judgments within the state judiciary could escalate tensions and threaten public order if not urgently resolved.
