A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose has raised concerns over the Supreme Court’s recent ruling affirming local governments’ financial autonomy.
While speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Sunday, Fayose expressed doubt about the practical impact of the judgment, citing the ongoing influence of state governors and Houses of Assembly.
He highlighted that, despite the court ruling, local government autonomy remains hindered by state-level politics.
Fayose argued that no one from the grassroots could become a local government chairman without the governor’s support.
“You cannot take the baby from the mother,” he said, stressing the relationship between local governments and state authorities.
The former governor pointed out that state Houses of Assembly control and oversee local government activities.
He shared his experience, stating that while he was governor, the receipt and management of funds from Abuja involved multiple stakeholders, but ultimately, the local government commissioner, a governor’s appointee, had significant influence.
Fayose also criticized the effectiveness of local government operations, claiming that many council officials lack dedication.
He noted that attendance at council meetings is often poor, with many workers absent on key days. This lack of accountability, he argued, undermines the notion of local government autonomy.
He concluded that state governments, despite their flaws, are more efficient in administrative performance than local governments. He expressed doubt that the Supreme Court ruling would lead to meaningful changes, given the entrenched practices and political dynamics at the state level.
