A legal storm is brewing in Ekiti State as Mr. Adeolu Oyebode, a concerned resident of Ikere Ekiti, has filed a lawsuit against the Executive Chairman of Ikere Local Government, Hon. Olu Egbejoda Adamolekun, and the council itself, over their alleged unlawful refusal to release crucial financial records. The suit, filed at the High Court of Ekiti State, Ado Ekiti Judicial Division, accuses the local government of violating the Ekiti State Freedom of Information Law 2011 by failing to provide public documents related to budgetary and financial activities.
The originating summons, marked Suit No: HAD/101/2025, was filed pursuant to Order 3 Rule 6 of the Ekiti State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2020. Mr. Oyebode is seeking a judicial determination on whether he is entitled, under the extant laws of Ekiti State, to request and obtain specific information about the running of Ikere Local Government. The documents demanded include the most recent audited financial report, the approved budget of the council for the year 2025, and statements of account detailing the inflow of federal allocations into the council’s coffers from March 2024 to date.
Filed by his counsel, A.T. Durodola Esq. of Royal Standard Attorneys, the suit contends that the council chairman and the local government lack the legal power to deny a citizen access to such information. The claimant insists that these records are public documents, and their concealment constitutes a breach of transparency and accountability principles.
Specifically, the claimant seeks four major reliefs from the court. Firstly, a declaration that he is legally entitled to access the requested information under the Freedom of Information Law. Secondly, a pronouncement that the defendants acted beyond their powers by refusing to furnish the documents. Thirdly, an order directing the immediate release of the audited reports, budget, and inflow statements. And finally, the claimant seeks a court order compelling the defendants to pay ₦1,000,000 as the cost of initiating the legal action.
The suit was filed on July 28, 2025, and is to be served on the defendants at the Ikere Local Government Secretariat in Ikere Ekiti. According to court instructions, the defendants are expected to respond within seven days of being served, including the date of service.
The legal action marks a growing trend of civic engagement in governance at the grassroots level, as more Nigerians assert their right to know how public funds are managed. Analysts say the outcome of the case could serve as a landmark ruling on the enforceability of the Freedom of Information Law in Ekiti State and further strengthen the culture of openness in public office.
Efforts to reach the Ikere Local Government Chairman for comments on the matter were unsuccessful as of press time. Meanwhile, the case is likely to stir widespread attention in legal and civic circles in the days ahead.
