At Tuesday’s plenary session, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, read a letter sent by the executive arm through the Lagos State Solicitor-General, Ahmed Oyenuga, stating Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s position on the newly signed Local Government Administration Law.
The letter proposed a delay in the implementation of the law until August 2025. However, members of the Assembly strongly disagreed with this move.
The law, which Governor Sanwo-Olu signed into effect on May 7, 2025, clearly outlines guidelines related to the tenure, succession, and disqualification of Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas and the 37 Local Council Development Areas in the state.
With local government elections set for July 12 by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, lawmakers questioned the purpose of delaying a law already signed and gazetted.
Speaker Obasa noted that the disagreement between the executive and legislative arms of government allows a proper test of the strength and clarity of state laws. He also said it is important that all officials connected to the matter appear before the House to give proper explanations.
The Assembly has therefore summoned Solicitor-General Ahmed Oyenuga, Attorney-General Lawal Pedro, and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert. Obasa said the Director of Litigation from the Ministry of Justice must also attend to explain why the executive seeks a delay.
Lawmakers voiced strong opinions on the matter. Sani Okanlawon from Kosofe Constituency I said that an executive order cannot cancel out a valid law passed by the legislature.
Dipo Ajomale of Oshodi Constituency II questioned the reason for the proposed delay when the governor had already approved the law weeks ago. Sa’ad Olumoh also backed the House, noting that executive instructions must not override legislative decisions.
Meanwhile, the House is also looking into leadership issues within Oto Awori LCDA after the death of its chairman, Musbau Ashafa. According to House Clerk Olalekan Onafeko, the Vice Chairman, Kareem Abiodun, has refused to step into the role, saying he plans to contest in the next elections.
Speaker Obasa responded that Abiodun must either accept the position or resign to focus on his political plans. He explained that the amended law considers such an acting term as a full term. Obasa further warned Abiodun to be cautious with council funds, stating that any misuse could hurt his political future.
