Speaker Obasa charges Lagos LG chairmen to focus on democracy dividends, grassroots projects, and closer ties with councillors and communities.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has charged local government chairmen and their deputies across the state to prioritise service delivery and ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt by their people.
Speaker Obasa gave the charge on Thursday while addressing a summit of local government chairmen, vice chairmen, council leaders, and majority leaders at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium in the Assembly complex.
The gathering brought together leaders of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
According to him, the mandate of elected officials comes directly from the people, and as such, they must never lose focus on meeting the expectations of their constituents.
“The most important thing to us is the people because your mandate is from them,” he said.
“If our votes are dwindling, we should hold local government chairmen responsible because they are the closest to the people.”
Speaker Obasa emphasised that public office is not an avenue for personal enrichment but an opportunity to serve.
He cautioned chairmen against using their tenure as a mere ladder for personal gain without any meaningful achievement.
“Don’t just say you want to spend eight years in office and go without achieving anything. Make sure you provide what you promised the people so that life after office will be convenient for you.
There is no amount of money you accumulate that will sustain you if you do not serve the people,” he warned.
Speaker Obasa also reminded participants that the survival and relevance of local government councils largely depend on the State House of Assembly, which has enacted critical laws to strengthen grassroots governance.
These include the establishment of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), the Office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments, and the framework empowering councillors to perform their legislative duties effectively.
He urged chairmen to respect their councillors and treat them as partners in governance rather than subordinates, stressing that mutual respect and collaboration are essential for progress.
“Your councillors are your partners, not your subjects. Accord them respect, and they must also respect you.
“As a chairman, you cannot control everything. This is a new generation; change a style that does not work. Work with your people,” he said.
On the role of deputy chairmen, Obasa advised them to maintain cordial relationships with their chairmen, noting that leadership requires unity and understanding.
“If there is any issue, go and meet your chairmen rather than being selfish or creating unnecessary tension.
“If matters cannot be resolved, you can approach the House of Assembly and we will intervene,” he assured.
The Speaker further encouraged local government leaders to interact closely with their communities, Community Development Associations (CDAs), and Community Development Committees (CDCs) to identify needs and design impactful programmes.
He stressed the need for creative initiatives such as setting up maternity centres, building parks, supporting youth in sports, and creating job opportunities.
He said: “Let us do something different in our local governments. You can support people with health interventions, establish maternity centres, or beautify your environment with trees.
“We are here to support you. Government funds must be used to improve lives, not for selfish pursuits.
“Every council should have a park and sports centre within its first year in office. How many football stars or athletes have you produced in your areas?”
Reflecting on his own journey, Obasa reminded participants that he once served as a councillor and still lives in his ward because he was able to make a meaningful impact at the grassroots.
He therefore urged leaders to leave behind legacies they would be proud of, rather than relying on wealth.
The Speaker also disclosed that the House had extended the tenure of local government chairmen from three years to four years, unlike in other states, adding that if this privilege does not translate into visible development, the Assembly may reconsider and reduce it to two or three years.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Conference 57 and Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Chairman, Hon. Sesan Olowa, commended the Speaker’s charge and pledged that local government chairmen would continue to work in harmony with councillors and other stakeholders to strengthen grassroots development.
Olowa assured that council bosses across the state would not relent in their efforts to deliver meaningful projects, sustain development, and improve the lives of Lagos residents.