Lagos Council Autonomy in full swing as Sanwo-Olu bars chairmen from appointing SLGs, supervisors, urging transparency, service delivery, and accountability

Lagos Council Autonomy took a bold turn yesterday as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu barred the newly elected local government chairmen from appointing Secretaries to Local Government (SLGs) and supervisory councillors—for now.

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Speaking after swearing in 57 chairmen and their deputies at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the pause is temporary.

The state government, he said, would notify the chairmen when the time is right to make such appointments.

The decision has stirred tension, especially among political loyalists who were promised top roles ahead of the elections. For now, those expectations remain unmet.

However, the governor allowed chairmen to appoint Chiefs of Staff to help with daily coordination.

Sanwo-Olu stressed that Lagos Council Autonomy, affirmed by the Supreme Court, grants councils direct access to their funds—along with full responsibility.

“No excuses. No finger pointing. The buck now stops with you,” he said firmly.

He advised the new leaders to lead with transparency, compassion, and a strong commitment to grassroots development.

“Leadership must never be about personal gain; it must be about public impact,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu outlined citizens’ expectations clearly: better roads, safer streets, clean environments, modern schools and markets, and improved community security.

“These are not abstractions—they are daily necessities,” he said, urging chairmen to reflect the THEMES+ agenda in their domains.

He promised state support but warned of strict accountability: “We will hold you to the highest standards.”

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert, called the swearing-in a step toward deepening governance at the grassroots.

He praised Sanwo-Olu’s democratic leadership and commitment to local government empowerment.

Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Sesan Olowa, who also chairs the Conference 57 group, pledged on behalf of the new council chiefs to uphold APC values and deliver inclusive governance.

In attendance were dignitaries including First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat, Speaker Mudasiru Obasa, party chieftains, traditional rulers, and market leaders.

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With Lagos Council Autonomy now fully in play, the message from the governor is clear: deliver results, not excuses.