In a bold move, the 33 council chairmen in Oyo State have announced their withdrawal from the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in response to the Supreme Court’s recent judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments across the nation.
In a communique signed by all the chairmen, they unanimously declared their unwavering support for Governor Seyi Makinde. ALGON’s Public Relations Officer in the state, Ibrahim Akintayo, characterized the chairmen’s stance as a show of solidarity with Governor Makinde’s position on local government autonomy as ruled by the apex court.
The chairmen attributed their steadfast loyalty to Makinde to his exemplary leadership and notable achievements since assuming office. Governor Makinde had previously convened a meeting with stakeholders to form committees that would review the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.
During that meeting, Makinde stated, “I called this meeting because I felt that even though we have not seen the Certified True Copy of the judgment of the Supreme Court, we have to be proactive and discuss the decision of the Supreme Court as it concerns financial autonomy of the local government councils because I believe a lacuna has been created between the decision and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that we all swore to uphold. The law is the law, and when there is a conflict, yes, we should go to the court. But it behooves on us to look for our own home-grown solutions that can ensure that we have transparency and that our people do not suffer. This is because when two elephants are fighting, it is the grass that will suffer.”
Makinde’s stance on the Supreme Court ruling has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some supporting his position and others criticizing it.
According to the communique, the decision to form a new association was made to better protect and provide for the people in their respective local government areas. The new association for local government executive chairmen will be registered under the relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The communique stated: “At the general meeting of all the Local Government Councils of Oyo State, held on Saturday 3rd August 2024 at Ibadan, it was voluntarily agreed and resolved as follows:
“That in order to inter alia protect the interest of our people, we should forthwith form an umbrella association. Such organization will be registered under the relevant Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its membership shall be institutionally represented by the chairmen of respective local government councils.
“That the association shall remain committed to the democratic ideals of the system of Local Government as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“Furthermore, the association shall ensure the delivery of real development in local councils in the overall interest of our people at the local level.”
This move marks a significant shift in local government administration in Oyo State, setting a precedent for other states grappling with the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial autonomy for local governments.
