Lagos, Nigeria – Veteran human rights lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome has called on Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi to resign if Tinubu does not follow his legal guidance.
Ozekhome’s remarks come in response to the Federal Government’s recent decision to withhold funds meant for local governments in Osun State. He described the move as a politically motivated interference that undermines democratic governance.
Speaking on the issue, Ozekhome drew parallels to a similar situation Chief Tinubu himself faced as Lagos State Governor, when the then-Federal Government led by President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld Lagos local government allocations. In that case, the Supreme Court ruled that local government funds could not be withheld by the Federal Government.
He said, “The Supreme Court held that the Federal Government could never withhold funds meant for local governments in Lagos State.” Emphasizing accountability, Ozekhome expressed doubts that the President is receiving appropriate legal advice from Fagbemi. He added, “If he did give the advice and the President ignored it, then he ought to resign.”
Ozekhome also referenced former AGF Mohammed Bello Adoke’s advice to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan against removing the Plateau State Governor during a state of emergency. Jonathan reportedly heeded that legal counsel, underscoring the importance of abiding by the rule of law.
The lawyer condemned the current handling of the Osun local government funds as detrimental to democracy and called for respect for judicial rulings and constitutional principles.
The controversy centers on Fagbemi’s recent letter recommending that funds allocated to local government areas be released to the sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) officials in Osun State, a move critics argue fuels political disputes and disrupts governance.
Chief Ozekhome’s stern warning highlights ongoing concerns about the balance of power, legal counsel, and governance under the Tinubu administration.