Lagos Speaker Affirms LCDAs Are Here to Stay as Assembly Holds Public Hearing on Local Government Law

Lagos Speaker Affirms LCDAs Are Here to Stay as Assembly Holds Public Hearing on Local Government Law

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has assured that the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state are permanent and there are no plans to scrap them. 

Speaking through the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, during a second public hearing on the proposed amendment to the Local Government Administration law, Obasa emphasized the importance of the LCDAs in enhancing governance at the grassroots level.

"The LCDAs have come to stay by the grace of God. Nobody is scrapping them. Instead, we are here to reflect on how to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment concerning their creation. We followed the right process in establishing the LCDAs, and now it’s time for Lagosians to support their inclusion in the constitution by lobbying our representatives at the national level," Obasa said.

He noted that two weeks ago, discussions were held on the local government electoral bill, which set the stage for further deliberation on the effective functioning of local governments in the state.

The bill seeks to consolidate existing laws governing local government administration and aims to ensure the smooth functioning of local governments with adherence to the rule of law and clear separation of powers. Among its provisions is a four-year tenure for elected local government officials, which clarifies previous ambiguities surrounding their terms of office.

Other key aspects of the bill include provisions on asset declarations, the nomination and removal of local government chairpersons, the role of supervisors, and street naming.

Legal expert, Muiz Banire (SAN), who spoke at the hearing, suggested changes to certain clauses in the bill. He argued that under the Supreme Court’s ruling, the removal of council chairpersons should be decided by councillors and not by the state governor. Banire also called for the removal of Section 38, which gives the Ministry of Local Government the authority to issue guidelines to local councils.

However, his position was challenged by former Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, who argued that the Lagos State Assembly has the constitutional power to create local governments. He affirmed that the LCDAs have been tested by law and continue to exist, even though they have not yet been officially listed in the constitution.

Supporting this stance, former Deputy Speaker Hon. Funmilayo Tejuoso noted that the LCDAs, though awaiting constitutional recognition, are still very much alive. She urged stakeholders not to abandon them, stating, "The Supreme Court has recognized them; we are just waiting for the constitution to reflect the LCDAs."

Various stakeholders, including Imam Ibrahim Tijani from Itire-Ikate and President of the Greater Lagos Initiative, Adeniyi Olutimehin, expressed their support for the continued existence of the LCDAs. 

Ajose Agbejoye, another stakeholder, recommended that local government elections be held six months before the end of the current administration’s term to ensure a smooth transition of power.

The public hearing highlighted the strong support for the LCDAs, with many stakeholders urging the House to ensure their continued functionality as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Signed:

Eromosele Ebhomele  

Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly