The 33 local government chairmen in Oyo State have declared their unwavering support for Governor Seyi Makinde‘s leadership in the state.
This is as the council chairmen came together to establish an association aimed at advancing the welfare of their constituents.
Naija News reports that the LG Chairmen made this announcement through a formal statement released following their gathering in Ibadan over the weekend.
The statement made available to newsmen, however, did not specify the name of the newly formed association, nor did it address whether the Oyo LG chairmen will be disassociating from the umbrella organization, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
The communiqué signed by the Public Relations Officer for the Oyo LG chairmen, Ibrahim Akintayo, read: “At the general meeting of all the local government councils of Oyo State, held on Saturday, 3rd August 2024, in Ibadan, it was voluntarily agreed and resolved as follows: That to inter alia protect the interest of our people, we should forthwith form an umbrella association.
“Such organisation will be registered under the relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its membership shall be institutional-represented by the chairmen of respective local government councils.
“That the association shall remain committed to the democratic ideas 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.”
Naija News reports that the recent development occurred following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the autonomy of local governments, which came after weeks of deliberation.
The apex court’s decision was made in response to a lawsuit brought by the Federal Government against the 36 states, advocating for autonomy for the 774 LGAs across the nation.
In its verdict, the Supreme Court mandated that funds allocated to local governments should be disbursed directly to the councils from the Federation Allocation Account Committee.
Additionally, the court declared that state governments do not have the authority to manage federal allocations on behalf of local governments.
In response to this ruling, Governor Makinde expressed his concerns and established committees to address the issue and determine the way forward.