The Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development (IICSD) has raised concerns over the prolonged closure of local government councils in Osun State, lamenting the halt in grassroots development 162 days after the suspension of operations at the third tier of government.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Jare Tiamiyu, and released on Tuesday, the organisation described the shutdown, which began on February 17, 2025, as a major setback to the state’s development.
“Today marks 162 days since local governments in Osun State have remained closed. This has stalled progress at the most crucial tier of government, depriving residents of access to essential services,” the statement read.
IICSD noted that the politically motivated crisis has led to the withholding of council funds, disrupting critical services and worsening the living conditions of citizens in local communities.
The group, known for promoting governance transparency through its Osun Open Local Government Programme (OsunOpenLG), also highlighted the adverse effects on youths, who are already faced with limited economic opportunities.
“The mortgaging of the state’s future, especially its youth, due to the continued paralysis of local governance is alarming. The political power struggle has not only deepened the crisis but has also resulted in avoidable deaths,” it said.
IICSD called on key stakeholders—including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and founding fathers of Osun—to urgently mediate and end the impasse.
“It is unacceptable that allocations meant for schools, feeder roads, market empowerment, and salaries are being withheld due to the selfish interests of certain actors,” Tiamiyu stated.
The group stressed the urgent need to restore local government operations, insisting that governance at the grassroots level must not remain crippled.
“We urge men of goodwill, especially young people who drive societal change, to champion the call for development in Osun State. The time to reopen our councils is now. Grassroots governance must not be left to die,” IICSD declared.
Tiamiyu reaffirmed the organisation’s resolve to continue monitoring the closure through its daily counter and maintain advocacy until local governance is restored.
“The people of Osun deserve functional, accessible, and accountable local governments. We cannot continue like this,” he concluded.