Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that his administration will take steps to mitigate any adverse effects resulting from the recent Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy.
On Monday, Governor Makinde established two committees tasked with reviewing the Supreme Court’s decision and providing recommendations to ensure that the judgment does not negatively impact the state’s citizens.
The governor expressed concern that the ruling has created a constitutional gap that could present challenges at the local government level. He emphasised the importance of transparency in local councils but noted that the judgment is not a comprehensive solution to Nigeria’s broader issues.
Speaking at an Advisory and Consultative Committee Meeting with stakeholders from the local government system, Makinde underscored his commitment to addressing these challenges collaboratively. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to conduct two council elections, clear outstanding debts owed to workers and pensioners, and improve infrastructure in primary healthcare and local roads.
The meeting, held at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, included council chairmen, and representatives from various unions and government agencies connected to the local government system.
Governor Makinde explained, “Even though we have not seen the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment, we must proactively discuss its implications on the financial autonomy of local government councils. A gap has been created between the judgment and the constitution, and we need homegrown solutions to ensure transparency and prevent hardship for our people.”
He noted that his administration inherited a local government system burdened with salary and pension arrears. Despite these challenges, the administration has made significant progress, such as paying leave bonuses from 2018 to 2023, upgrading healthcare facilities, and renovating schools and roads.
The governor acknowledged ongoing issues, including a backlog of gratuities and pensions amounting to N55 billion, and emphasized the importance of developing infrastructure to boost the local economy and improve living standards.
Following the closed-door meeting, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, announced that the committees have four to six weeks to devise strategies to address the Supreme Court judgment’s implications.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biodun Aikomo, praised the governor’s proactive approach, stating that it demonstrates his commitment to the welfare and development of Oyo State.
