States must comply with Supreme Court rulings on Local Government Autonomy, ensuring democracy, transparency, and constitutional order across Nigeria – Oluwole Oke
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oluwole Oke, has urged state governments across Nigeria to fully respect and comply with Supreme Court rulings concerning Local Government Autonomy.
He emphasized that these decisions are binding under the Constitution and must not be subjected to personal, political, or regional interpretations.
In a statement issued in Abuja titled “Local Government Autonomy and the Rule of Law: Why States Must Comply, Not Confront,” Oke stressed that Nigeria’s constitutional democracy relies heavily on the supremacy of the Constitution and the finality of judicial interpretation.
According to him, Local Government Autonomy is not just a political issue but a legal and democratic necessity that strengthens governance at the grassroots level.
“Once the Supreme Court delivers a judgment, all arms and levels of government are constitutionally obligated to obey it,” Oke stated, noting that recent decisions on administrative and financial independence of Local Governments have sparked national discussions.
He further explained that individual or political opinions cannot override constitutional obligations and that adherence to the law reinforces the integrity of democratic institutions.
Oke cited Section 235 of the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing that the Supreme Court is the final authority on constitutional interpretation.
“Its decisions are not advisory or optional. They represent the authoritative meaning of the Constitution itself,” he said, highlighting that the apex court’s rulings on Local Government Autonomy must be implemented without delay or resistance.
The lawmaker cautioned that no State House of Assembly, including that of Osun State, possesses the constitutional power to enact laws that contradict or weaken Supreme Court rulings on Local Government Autonomy.
Any legislative attempt to dilute such judgments is not only unconstitutional but also null and void, amounting to a direct challenge to the rule of law.
“This matter is not about politics; it is about constitutional order,” Oke said.
He elaborated that while legislatures have the authority to make laws, they cannot revisit issues already conclusively interpreted by the Supreme Court.
Even the National Assembly cannot overturn a Supreme Court ruling through ordinary legislation.
The only lawful mechanism for amending such outcomes is via a transparent constitutional amendment applied prospectively, he explained.
Despite these limitations, Oke emphasized that compliance with judicial decisions does not render state governments powerless.
States still retain considerable latitude to enact laws that promote democratic governance at the Local Government level without undermining autonomy.
These include guaranteeing regular and credible Local Government elections, implementing transparency measures, conducting independent audits, enhancing administrative coordination without assuming financial control, and providing support for capacity building and grassroots service delivery.
“What states cannot do is reintroduce control through joint accounts, caretaker committees, or executive gatekeeping disguised as oversight,” Oke warned, noting that such practices would violate both constitutional provisions and the principle of Local Government Autonomy.
The lawmaker further called for collaboration rather than confrontation between state governments and Local Governments.
He encouraged inter-governmental partnerships through memoranda of understanding, joint planning frameworks, and technical support mechanisms that respect the independence of elected councils.
According to him, cooperation is essential for achieving democratic governance that benefits citizens at the local level.
Oke also urged stakeholders to pursue constitutional advocacy and national dialogue where ambiguities exist, particularly regarding fiscal federalism and revenue allocation.
He stressed that unilateral state actions that ignore Supreme Court rulings on Local Government Autonomy undermine democratic governance and erode public trust in institutions.
“Until such amendments are lawfully enacted, the Supreme Court’s interpretation remains binding,” he added.
Concluding his statement, Oke underscored that Local Government Autonomy is designed to deepen democracy and bring governance closer to the people.
By complying with judicial rulings, state governments strengthen democratic institutions, reinforce constitutional order, and demonstrate fidelity to the rule of law.
“Compliance is not weakness. It is fidelity to constitutional governance and commitment to Nigeria’s democratic future,” he said, reaffirming that Local Government Autonomy is central to achieving transparency, accountability, and participatory governance across the country.
The call by Oke reflects growing concerns over instances where state legislatures attempt to circumvent judicial pronouncements, raising questions about the stability of democratic governance in Nigeria.
Legal experts and civil society organizations have also stressed that respecting Local Government Autonomy is key to promoting effective service delivery, fiscal accountability, and citizen engagement at the grassroots level.
Ultimately, Oke’s message is clear: Local Government Autonomy must be respected and implemented by all state governments to uphold the Constitution, strengthen democratic governance, and ensure that power is exercised responsibly at every level of government.
By following the rule of law, Nigeria can create a political environment where Local Governments thrive, citizens are empowered, and democracy is reinforced throughout the federation.
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