Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has imposed restrictions on the 57 newly inaugurated local government and Local Council Development Area chairmen, preventing them from appointing key administrative positions including Secretaries to Local Governments and supervisory councillors.
The directive was announced immediately following the swearing-in ceremony held at the Sports Ground of Lagos House in Ikeja, where the governor instructed the council leaders to appoint Chiefs of Staff instead to coordinate their daily administrative activities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu informed the chairmen that the state government would determine when they could proceed with additional appointments, creating uncertainty among political associates who had anticipated key roles following the elections.
The restriction has disrupted expectations within the councils, particularly affecting individuals who had been promised positions during the electoral campaign period. These potential appointees now face an indefinite waiting period as the governor maintains control over the appointment timeline.
During his address, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the new chairmen should utilize their initial 30 to 60 days in office to comprehensively understand their communities’ needs while adopting inclusive leadership approaches that prioritize resident welfare.
The governor highlighted the significance of the Supreme Court’s affirmation of local government autonomy, noting that council leaders now enjoy direct access to their allocated funds along with corresponding accountability responsibilities.
“We are living through a new era of local government autonomy, fiscal and administrative independence now affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. 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,” Sanwo-Olu declared.
He cautioned the chairmen to exercise their newfound autonomy responsibly, emphasizing transparency and public service over personal interests. The governor warned that leadership positions should reflect public responsibility rather than political entitlement.
Sanwo-Olu issued stern warnings against underperformance and betrayal of public trust, stressing that Lagos residents expect tangible improvements from grassroots governance. He challenged the chairmen to align their activities with the state administration’s THEMES+ agenda.
“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,” the governor stated.
He emphasized that performance evaluation would focus on visible actions rather than rhetorical promises, urging the chairmen to ensure development reaches every community within their jurisdictions.
The governor called for inclusive governance that extends government presence to rural communities, riverine areas, and underserved populations, ensuring equitable distribution of development projects across all localities.
While pledging state government support for the new chairmen, Sanwo-Olu maintained that they would be held to rigorous service delivery standards throughout their tenure.
Sesan Olowa, Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, responded on behalf of his colleagues, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve while promising to uphold All Progressives Congress values and deliver impactful leadership.
“We will uphold the values of the APC and ensure development touches every ward and community under our care,” Olowa pledged after being elected as Chairman of Conference 57.
The ceremony attracted prominent attendees including the governor’s wife Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Hamzat, state executive council members, House of Assembly Speaker Mudasiru Obasa, National Assembly representatives, traditional rulers, and party stakeholders.
