Why Fagbemi Should Resign As AGF –Ozekhome

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria Wednesday, August 27th, 2025

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Mike Ozekhome, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has slammed Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), for the controversy concerning the withholding of Osun state local government funds.

It is worth recalling that Osun sued the AGF and alleged that the federal government did not release the statutory allocation due to its 30 LGAs for March 2025, a month after the state did election that was characterize by violence, disputes, and legal battles.

The ousted LGA chairpersons who were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had gone to court as they try to reclaim their seats as they cited a court judgement.

Fagbemi had directed Ademola Adeleke, Osun governor, to tell the state electoral commission to stop the process.

According to Fagbemi, the ousted LGA chairpersons must be reinstated because the court of appeal had thrown out the judgement of the lower court that sacked them.

However, Adeleke went on with the polls and this led the APC to ask the federal government to stop allocations on the basis of “unlawful” LGA elections.

In the suit, Osun alleged that Wale Edun, the finance minister, upon enquiry of the stalled funds allocation, stated that he was acting under the AGF’s directive.

However, Fagbemi, represented by his counsel, Akin Olujimi, refuted the allegation.

Speaking on television, Ozekhome accused the AGF of being partisan for recommending that allocations be released to the sacked APC Osun officials in a letter to Edun.

“The supreme court held that the federal government could never withhold funds meant for local governments in Lagos state,” Ozekhome said.

“If the attorney-general gave proper advice and guidance, which is his role as protector and defender of the people’s interest, I do not see President Bola Tinubu refusing to approve it.