An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has dismissed an application filed by sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen in Osun State. They had sought to overturn an earlier court order. This order froze disputed council funds held at United Bank for Africa (UBA).

Justice Ladiran Akintola delivered the ruling on Thursday. He stated that the former chairmen lacked the legal standing (locus standi). This meant they could not challenge the court’s ex parte order. The order had been granted on September 26, 2025.

The dismissed chairmen were referred to as “Persons Affected” in court documents. They had filed the application under Suit No. I/1149/2025. This case involved the Attorney General of Osun State & Anor v. UBA PLC. They prayed the court to lift the freeze. Their argument was that it hindered local governance. They also claimed it violated constitutional provisions.

However, Justice Akintola held a different view. He noted that the chairmen had previously withdrawn their application. This earlier application aimed to join them as parties to the case. By doing so, they effectively conceded they had no legitimate claim to the funds.

“They are strangers to the suit and lack locus standi,” the judge firmly ruled. He stressed that their absence of a legally recognised interest prevented them from seeking any relief.

He added, “The withdrawal of their joinder motion by senior counsel amounts to a concession that they have no legal claim.” Following this, the application was dismissed in its entirety.

Lead counsel for the Osun State Attorney General, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), was present. He appeared alongside E.Y. Ajayi and D.G. Egunjobi. Oluwatomiwa Fadeyi represented UBA during the proceedings.

After the judgment, Adetunbi thanked the court. He described the decision as “well-reasoned.” He also informed the court of the state’s intention. They plan to obtain a clearer copy of a recent Supreme Court ruling. This ruling is in SC/CV/773/2025. It concerns the Attorney General of Osun State v. Attorney General of the Federation. This document will guide their subsequent legal steps.

Justice Akintola adjourned the case. It is now scheduled for mention on December 18, 2025.