The Auditor-General for Local Governments in Osun State, Isiaq Awotunde, has raised concerns over his inability to access bank statements needed to audit local government allocations, amid growing questions about the management of public funds in the state.
Awotunde disclosed that the lack of access to the relevant financial records had prevented him from carrying out a comprehensive examination of local government accounts and establishing how the funds had been utilised.
The development comes amid controversy surrounding the N238.4 billion reportedly allocated to the 30 local government areas in Osun State between January 2025 and June 2026.
The situation has been further complicated by prolonged political and administrative disagreements over control of the local government councils, with rival factions presenting different accounts of access to and management of the funds.
The inability of the state auditor to obtain the necessary bank statements has raised fresh questions about financial transparency, institutional oversight and accountability at the grassroots level.
Stakeholders have consequently renewed calls for improved monitoring of local government finances and greater transparency in the management of public allocations to ensure that funds meant for grassroots development translate into visible projects and improved public services.
The controversy has also highlighted the importance of strengthening audit institutions and ensuring that relevant authorities have unrestricted access to financial records necessary for the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.