‘Local Govts In Lagos Have Been Autonomous For Years’

Lagos State commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr Bolaji Robert, on Thursday, said local governments in the state were autonomous before the Supreme Court ruling in July 2024, which affirmed the financial and administrative autonomy of local governments across the country.

The commissioner who stated this during the ongoing ministerial press briefing to mark the second year of the second term of the state Governor.  Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Alausa, Ikeja, said talks about local government autonomy are alien in the state.

He noted that the council chairmen have unhindered access to their federal allocations.

According to Robert, “The issue of Local Government autonomy is alien to the government of Lagos State. This is because the local governments are getting their money.

“The issue of autonomy is strange as far as we are concerned. We do not owe any local government. This is why our local governments are far from other local governments in other states regarding roads, healthcare and other infrastructure.”

The commissioner added, “You can carry out your investigation, as far as we are concerned, the state has nothing to do with local government funds right from the inception of this administration.”

Speaking on traditional rulers in the state, Robert stated that since the inception of Sanwo-Olu’s administration, 50 Obas had been installed, out of which 17 were first-class Obas, adding that, “This started with the installation of HRM Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom. Some are still under processing and shall be installed.

Robert also pointed out that the families of deceased SUBEB and Local Government Staff have been paid N775.07 million to ensure the bereaved are taken care of.

“As part of the Ministry’s responsibilities in ensuring adherence to administrative Guidelines on Administrative Procedures, the Ministry has continued to hold periodic meetings with chairmen across the 57 Councils, informing and sensitising Councils through periodic strategic tours across the LGAs and LCDAs.”