An Oyo State High Court has ordered United Bank for Africa (UBA) not to release funds deposited into 30 accounts linked to Osun State’s local governments, intensifying a deepening row over council leadership in the state.
In a statement released on Monday, September 29, the interim injunction, delivered by Justice A.L. Akintola on Friday in suit number 1/1149/25, followed a request by Osun State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada.
He approached the court after the Federal Government transferred statutory allocations for all 30 councils into the disputed accounts that same day.
In his ruling, Justice Akintola said the claimants had shown “a compelling case for urgent intervention” and warned that any delay could cause “irreversible harm” to the state.
He ruled, “This court is satisfied that the claimants/applicants have successfully made out a case for the urgent intervention of the court at this stage as any delay may cause irreversible harm, injury or helplessness.
“In any event, the defendant/respondent will have the opportunity to challenge the order once they join issues with the claimants on the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.
“Accordingly, the interim injunction sought is hereby granted as prayed on the claimants/applicants.”
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The matter has been adjourned to October 3, 2025, for hearing of the motion on notice.
A letter conveying the ruling, dated 26 September 2025 and signed by the state’s lead counsel, Mr Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, reminded the bank of its duty to comply.
Addressed to UBA’s head office in Lagos and its Osogbo branch, the letter read, “The essence of this letter is just to remind you of your duty to comply with this order, so long as it subsists, which was made pending the hearing of the motion on notice.
“Kindly note that the order covers any statutory payment made to your bank for the benefit of the 30 local governments in Osun State.”
The accounts in question were reportedly opened by APC chairmen and councillors who were elected in October 2022 under former governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
They were sacked by a Federal High Court in Osogbo but later restored by the Court of Appeal in Akure in February 2025.
The PDP-led state government, however, maintains that the legitimate council leaders are those elected in the February 22, 2025, local government polls.