There is growing discontent among youths in Osun State following allegations of financial mismanagement and the prolonged withholding of operational funds meant for the Nigerian Red Cross Society in the state. The Osun Youths Vanguard, a coalition of young volunteers and humanitarian activists, has issued a stern warning to both the national and state leadership of the Red Cross, threatening a statewide protest if the funds are not released within the next seven days.
In a statement made available on Thursday and signed by the group’s Public Relations Officer, Tope Ayeni, the youths accused the Red Cross authorities of deliberate negligence, lack of accountability, and financial opacity. The group claimed that for over seven months, critical funds allocated for humanitarian operations in Osun have been withheld, thereby stalling key projects and weakening the morale of committed volunteers.
According to Ayeni, “This is no longer a matter of internal bureaucracy. The continued denial of these funds has crippled our ability to carry out life-saving community interventions and has demoralized volunteers who sacrifice daily to serve humanity. It is an affront to the values the Red Cross stands for.”
The group directed its outrage particularly at the National President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Prince Oluyemisi Adetayo Adeaga, accusing him of presiding over what they described as a “broken and unaccountable system.” They also alleged that the Osun State Secretary of the Red Cross, Mr. Tolulope Ogunleye, has been complicit in frustrating demands for transparency by allegedly suppressing concerned voices within the local chapter.
“The time for silence is over. If within seven days there is no action, no disbursement, and no clear explanation, we will occupy the Osun State Secretariat and shut it down. The youths will not allow a few individuals to sabotage a system built on service, sacrifice, and integrity,” the statement warned.
Mr. Ogunleye acknowledged that the funding delay was real but insisted that the issue originated from the national headquarters of the organization. “Yes, the funds have been delayed for several months, but it is not a problem from the Osun State chapter. We have made our own appeals and follow-ups. We are equally frustrated,” he said.
Meanwhile, in response to the rising tension, the media office of Prince Adeaga confirmed that the matter has been escalated to the management of the Nigerian Red Cross Society. A formal statement addressing the concerns raised by the Osun youths is expected to be released in due course.
The lingering delay in fund disbursement has already impacted several Red Cross initiatives in Osun State, including community health outreaches, disaster response training, and volunteer support services. Stakeholders are now calling for urgent intervention to prevent the crisis from escalating further.
As the countdown to the seven-day ultimatum begins, there is increasing pressure on the Red Cross leadership to provide clarity, restore trust, and ensure that funds meant for humanitarian work are used transparently and efficiently.
