Gov Adeleke, Davido, others funding Osun salaries from their pockets because of seized LG fund — Bode George

A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has shed light on the financial challenges facing Osun State as a result of withheld local government funds.

According to him, Governor Ademola Adeleke, his elder brother, and his nephew, Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, have been forced to personally fund salaries of local government workers in the state.

Speaking in an interview with Nigeria Info FM, George alleged that the federal government has failed to release allocations due to local governments in Osun State for more than five months.

He said the amount owed has now accumulated to about N46.9 billion, leaving the state government in a precarious financial position.

George revealed that he had personally spoken with Governor Adeleke on the matter, and the governor expressed how dire the situation had become.

The PDP leader explained that Adeleke and his family members had stepped in to prevent workers from being left unpaid despite the heavy financial burden.

Quoting the discussion, George said: “The federal government is owing Osun about N46.9 billion that he has had to carry the burden between him, his older brother and the son of his brother, who is a musician, Davido. Because people believed in them and he says if they believe in him, he has to ensure that they go home with their salaries. So, they have been funding it (from their pockets) for the last five or six months.”

The revelation has drawn wide attention as it highlights both the seriousness of the alleged fund seizure and the unusual measures being taken to cushion its effects. If confirmed, it underscores the role of private family resources in sustaining public workers, a situation many observers believe is unsustainable.

Political analysts have also argued that the development raises questions about the federal-state relationship, particularly in the distribution of funds meant for local governments.

George urged the federal government to urgently release the withheld allocations, stressing that continued delays could cripple grassroots governance in Osun State.