LONE WOLF: Makinde’s Supreme Court LG Autonomy Standoff May Put 33 Council Chairmen In Jail!
Of all the 36 state governors in Nigeria, only one has vehemently and publicly opposed and rejected the Supreme Court verdict of July 11, 2024, granting financial autonomy to the 774 local government areas.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has pushed forward his agenda, despite repeated pushbacks and backlashes against his reactions and rejections to the ruling.
Makinde has ordered all 33 council chairmen in his state to issue a joint statement rejecting the Supreme Court ruling, declaring that the judgment has created a constitutional crisis between the state and local governments.
He has also set up a committee to review the ruling and has asked the council chairmen to break away from their umbrella body, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).
According to Oyoinsight, a reliable online newspaper based in Oyo, “Not satisfied with the decision of the Supreme Court judgment on autonomy, ‘Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, has asked local government chairmen in the state to break away from their umbrella body—the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON.”
The council chairmen, not minding the consequences of their actions, have declared their total support for Makinde’s stance.
Sikiru Sanda, two-term chairman of Egbeda local government and a former state assembly member, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, said, “The reason for our action is anchored on the governor’s leadership and unrivalled achievements since his assumption of office.”
After a closed-door meeting on Saturday night, August 3rd, 2024, the council bosses unanimously agreed to establish a new association to continue serving the people of the state at the grassroots level.
History of Antagonism
Governor Makinde has a long history of antagonism towards local government autonomy.
Analysts say his consistent opposition shows his disdain for rural development. Since assuming office, Makinde has treated local councils as mere appendages and stooges of the state government, reversing the gains recorded under his predecessor.
“When you look at Makinde’s governance structure,” says Adewale Moses, a rural dweller whose voice has been critical of the governor’s stance on the subject matter, “You will see a pattern that treats local councils as mere appendages and stooges of the state government.”
Yunusa Adediran, a public affairs analyst, quipped, “Makinde will go down as one of the most anti-people governors with his handling of the delicate and intricate local government autonomy.”
He added, “For the governor to openly and publicly oppose local government autonomy during the last gubernatorial debate speaks volumes. I’m not surprised the governor has ridiculed and embarrassed himself with his conduct on the supreme court verdict granting financial autonomy to local government autonomy given his various utterances on the contentious matter.”
Analysts have warned that Makinde’s actions may lead to catastrophic consequences, including jail time for the council chairmen who are dancing to the tune of the governor.
For legal experts, challenging the Supreme Court’s authority is a high-risk endeavor, akin to a suicide mission.
They say its rulings are the final word on the law, and defiance can lead to severe repercussions.
