By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, has applauded the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Osun Local Government funds.

Oyetola gave the commendation in a statement in Lagos on Saturday through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Bolaji Akinola.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Supreme Court had struck out the suit filed by the Osun Government over the release of allocations to the sacked council chairmen.

The court, in a 6–1 split judgment, held that the suit by the Osun Attorney-General was incompetent.

It ruled that the state lacked the legal capacity to invoke the court’s original jurisdiction on behalf of the 30 local governments.

The court affirmed that local governments are autonomous constitutional entities and must file such actions themselves.

While reacting to the judgment, Oyetola said the ruling affirmed constitutionalism and due process.

He also described the decision as a strong defence of democratic institutions.

Oyetola said: “This ruling represents a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

“The Supreme Court has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to justice by refusing to endorse an attempt to subvert constitutional procedures for partisan ends.

“The judgment reinforces the autonomy of local governments as enshrined in our Constitution and sends a strong message that legal processes cannot be manipulated to achieve unlawful objectives.”

He added that the court’s position discouraged attempts to misuse legal processes for partisan objectives.

Oyetola, who was the immediate past governor of Osun, urged the Osun Government to respect judicial pronouncements.

The minister advised the state to prioritise the broader interest of the people.

He stressed that stable governance depends on strict respect for the rule of law. (NAN)