Supreme Court Ruling: Local Government Autonomy Long Overdue, Says Labour Party

The Oyo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has stated that local government autonomy is long overdue. Speaking on Friday in Ibadan, the state chairman of the party, Sadiq Atayese, emphasized that this development would significantly accelerate grassroots progress. Atayese highlighted the transformative impact a functional third tier of government can bring to the local level, which is why there has been a persistent call for its autonomy.

He noted that this change would ensure that infrastructure development reaches the grassroots, making the benefits of democratic governance more tangible to the people. Atayese lamented that local governments, being the closest to the people, have had their functions usurped by state governments over the years, hindering development at that level.

“The judgment now provides a clear directive on how funds allocated to local governments from the federation account should be managed,” Atayese stated.

He expressed hope that state governors would adhere to the ruling to expedite grassroots development. “Governors should remember their oath to protect and defend the constitution and uphold the rule of law,” Atayese added.