Osun: Ife North Traditional Stakeholders Seek Transparency Over 5% Chieftaincy Allocation

Concerned chiefs, Baales, elders and traditional stakeholders in Ife North Local Government Area have called for transparency and accountability in the administration of the statutory five per cent allocation meant for traditional institutions and chieftaincy affairs within the local government.

The concerns were raised during a press conference addressed by the Lodifi of Ipetumodu, Chief Orosanya Kehinde, on behalf of traditional stakeholders and custodians of cultural heritage in the area.

The group said the briefing became necessary following growing concerns over the administration and disbursement of the allocation under the framework of local government financial autonomy.

According to the stakeholders, traditional institutions across Ife North have allegedly continued to experience financial neglect despite the constitutional recognition of local government autonomy by the Supreme Court.

“This gathering has become necessary in view of the growing concerns, complaints and disturbing revelations surrounding the alleged diversion, withholding, neglect and lack of transparency in the management and disbursement of the statutory five per cent allocation reportedly meant for traditional institutions, Baales and chieftaincy affairs within Ife North Local Government,” Chief Orosanya said.

The stakeholders noted that traditional rulers, Baales and chiefs remain important grassroots institutions responsible for conflict resolution, cultural preservation, security support and community development.

“It is therefore deeply disturbing, unfortunate and unacceptable that despite the clear constitutional position and the ongoing implementation of local government autonomy across the country, traditional institutions within Ife North Local Government have allegedly continued to suffer financial neglect while funds reportedly designated for traditional and chieftaincy administration are either withheld, selectively distributed or inadequately accounted for,” the statement added.

The group also expressed concerns over reports that parts of the allocation were allegedly subjected to external control and disbursement arrangements outside the officially recognised administrative structure of the local government.

According to the stakeholders, the concern relates to ensuring that the allocation is transparently administered and equitably utilised for the benefit of all recognised traditional institutions within the local government.

The chiefs further alleged that some communities were benefiting from the arrangement while others, including Ipetumodu and Moro, were allegedly excluded because they currently do not have substantive monarchs.
The stakeholders said the development raises constitutional, administrative and financial concerns.

“The allocation in question is meant for the collective traditional, Baaleship and chieftaincy institutions within Ife North Local Government Area and should never be subjected to selective distribution, favoritism or arbitrary discretion lacking transparency and accountability,” the statement read.

They also condemned alleged irregular payment procedures, including claims that some vouchers and payment authorisations were allegedly issued informally.

“In particular, we strongly condemn the alleged practice whereby vouchers or payment authorisations are reportedly being issued in informal manners, including instances allegedly written in pencil,” the group stated.

The stakeholders further alleged that some traditional functionaries reportedly receive as low as ₦1,000 monthly despite the existence of allocations meant for traditional institutions.

They therefore called on the chairman of Ife North Local Government, Osun State Government, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, finance authorities and relevant oversight agencies to clarify the administration and disbursement of the allocation.

The group demanded full transparency regarding all allocations received, public disclosure of beneficiaries and investigation into any alleged withholding or mismanagement of funds.

They maintained that the issue goes beyond politics and concerns fairness, institutional respect and preservation of traditional heritage within the local government area.