Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday officially inaugurated the newly elected chairmen and vice-chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, and was attended by top government officials, political stakeholders, and family members of the newly elected officials.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the event as a reaffirmation of democracy at the grassroots level and a call to selfless service. He emphasized that holding public office should not be seen as a trophy to display but as a weighty mandate demanding action, accountability, and meaningful leadership.
“Your victory is not a trophy; it is a mandate. And that mandate carries with it the urgent expectations of millions of Lagosians,” the governor said. “You are now stewards of your communities, and the people are counting on you to deliver on your promises.”
He urged the new council leaders to prioritize development in their domains by focusing on infrastructure, safety, education, healthcare, sanitation, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance.
According to him, Lagos is a fast-evolving 21st-century mega-city powered by the energy of over 24 million residents, and its local governments must reflect that momentum through visionary and agile leadership.
“This is not the Lagos of yesterday,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “We are the economic powerhouse of Nigeria, and your leadership must be bold, responsive, and rooted in the needs of the people. You must be present in your communities, connected to their realities, and committed to transparent and effective governance.”
Highlighting the recent affirmation of local government autonomy by the Supreme Court, Sanwo-Olu reminded the chairmen that they now enjoy fiscal and administrative independence. He stressed that with this autonomy comes increased accountability.
“As local government chairmen, you now have direct control over your councils’ funds. This autonomy is not just a privilege—it is a responsibility,” he declared. “There will be no room for excuses or blame-shifting. The buck stops with you.”
He continued, “Use this opportunity wisely. Guard it with transparency. Let your leadership be defined not by personal ambition or political entitlement, but by public service and measurable impact.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also challenged them to redefine local government leadership through innovation and integrity, urging them to embody the ideals of democratic governance and community development.
The event followed the successful conclusion of the July 12, 2025, local government elections in Lagos State. The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), led by Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (Rtd.), had earlier presented Certificates of Return to the elected chairmen and councillors.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) won all chairmanship seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured one councilorship seat, with the APC sweeping the rest.
With the swearing-in complete, all 57 council chairmen and their deputies are now expected to hit the ground running, delivering on their mandates and contributing to the larger goal of building a stronger, more inclusive, and better-governed Lagos at the grassroots level.