Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has imposed a temporary restriction on the 57 newly inaugurated Chairmen of Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), prohibiting them from appointing Secretaries to Local Governments and Supervisory Councillors.
This decision, which has stirred unease across political circles, was made public immediately after the swearing-in ceremony held at the Sports Ground of Lagos House in Ikeja.
Instead of proceeding with such appointments, the governor directed the newly elected officials to appoint Chiefs of Staff only, who will be responsible for coordinating daily administrative tasks.
Governor Sanwo-Olu clarified that the state government would communicate the appropriate time for subsequent appointments. This announcement has thrown many local political stakeholders into uncertainty, especially those who were promised positions as part of pre-election negotiations.
The governor’s directive has disrupted political calculations in many councils, leaving aspirants for strategic roles in a state of limbo. It has also been interpreted by many as a calculated step to ensure that governance at the grassroots is not hijacked by political patronage or early distractions.
In his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of the new era of local government autonomy, recently affirmed by the Supreme Court. He reminded the council executives that they now have direct control over their councils’ finances and are expected to show commensurate levels of responsibility and transparency.
“We are living through a new era of local government autonomy—fiscal and administrative independence—now affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Lagos has consistently led in this regard.
As chairmen, you now have direct access to your council’s funds. With this comes direct accountability. No excuses. No finger-pointing. The buck now stops with you,” the governor declared.
He urged the newly inaugurated chairmen to see this autonomy not as a political reward, but as a public trust that demands the highest levels of integrity and service.
“Use this autonomy wisely. Guard it with transparency. Let your tenure reflect not political entitlement, but public responsibility. Leadership must never be about personal gain; it must be about public impact.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu charged the chairmen to spend their first 30 to 60 days in office conducting community assessments to better understand the needs and priorities of their constituents. He emphasized the importance of inclusive, people-centred leadership and urged them to align closely with the state’s THEMES+ agenda.
He listed specific public expectations that must be addressed: improved road infrastructure, enhanced public safety, functional healthcare facilities, well-equipped schools, vibrant markets, clean environments, youth development programmes, and effective community security initiatives.
“The people have placed in your hands not just votes, but their dreams. Their expectations are clear: better roads, safer streets, functioning health centres, thriving schools, modern markets, environmental sanitation, youth engagement and community security. These are not abstractions; they are daily necessities.”
“Lagos is counting on you to bring development to every street, every ward, every community. Translate our THEMES+ vision in areas such as Transportation, Health, Education, Environment, Security and Social Inclusion into projects that touch lives—especially in our rural, riverine and underserved communities. No one must be left behind.”
While affirming the state government’s readiness to collaborate with and support the chairmen, Governor Sanwo-Olu made it clear that high standards of service delivery would be expected. He cautioned that underperformance, dereliction of duty, or abuse of office would not be tolerated.
“Your success is our success. The state government stands firmly with you. We will support you. We will work with you. But we will also hold you to the highest standards.”
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated council bosses, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Sesan Olowa, expressed gratitude to the governor and the people of Lagos State for the opportunity to serve.
Olowa, who was later elected Chairman of the Conference 57 (the umbrella body for all LG and LCDA chairmen in the state), pledged to uphold the values of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and deliver people-oriented governance.
“We will uphold the values of the APC and ensure development touches every ward and community under our care,” Olowa said.
The swearing-in ceremony was graced by several dignitaries including the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; members of the State Executive Council and National Assembly; Governance Advisory Council Chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi; APC State Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi; traditional rulers; market leaders, and a large gathering of party members and supporters.