Anger is brewing in Osun State as scores of youths under the aegis of Osun Youths Vanguard have threatened to embark on a massive protest over the prolonged non-release of funds meant for the state’s Red Cross operations.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the group’s Public Relations Officer, Tope Ayeni, the youths accused both the national and state leadership of the Nigerian Red Cross Society of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and deliberate neglect.
They warned that unless the funds are released within seven days, they would shut down the Osun State Secretariat and mobilise for a statewide demonstration.
According to the group, the funds, which were reportedly allocated by the national body for humanitarian and operational activities in Osun, have been withheld for over seven months, resulting in a decline in project execution and poor welfare for volunteers.
“The deliberate withholding of funds by the Red Cross leadership has not only crippled our activities but has also demoralised committed volunteers who depend on these operations for community impact,” the statement read.
The group took particular aim at the National President of the Red Cross, Prince Oluyemisi Adetayo Adeaga, describing his leadership as “inconsistent, unaccountable, and riddled with mistrust.”
Also fingered was the Osun State Secretary, Mr Tolulope Ogunleye, whom they accused of allegedly suppressing concerned voices within the organisation and frustrating efforts to demand accountability.
“Prince Adeaga must act within the next seven days or face the full wrath of the youth,” the statement added. “The continued siphoning of funds by a privileged few at the expense of the majority will no longer be tolerated.”
When contacted, Mr Ogunleye confirmed the seven-month delay in funding but distanced the state chapter from the issue, insisting that the fault lies with the national body.
“The delay is unfortunate, and it’s true that the funds haven’t been released in months, but it’s entirely from the national headquarters. We at the state level are just as concerned,” he said.
Also reacting to the development, the media office of Prince Adeaga said that the matter had been referred to the Red Cross management team and that an official response would be issued in due course.
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