Lagos Assembly fumes over Sanwo-Olu’s delay of new LG law

By Adekunle Williams

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Lagos State House of Assembly may be set for another clash over the implementation of the 2025 Local Government Administration Law.

This followed the plan by the executive to delay the implementation of the 2025 Local Government Administration Law until August.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has criticized the executive’s plan to delay the implementation of the 2025 Local Government Administration Law until August.

However, Sanwo-Olu had signed the law on May 7, establishing clear rules on tenure, succession, and disqualification.

The law applies to Chairmen and Vice Chairmen across Lagos’ 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.

Section 27(5) states that any person elected to complete the unexpired term of a previous office holder through a by-election shall be deemed to have served a full term.

Also, Section 28(4) of the 2025 Law provides that any Vice-Chairman who assumes office following the death, impeachment, or incapacitation of a sitting Chairman shall be considered to have served a full term.

However, the delay in the implementation of the law by Governor Sanwo-Olu means the provisions will not apply to Lagos local government election election scheduled for July 12.

At Tuesday’s plenary, Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, read a letter conveying Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s position, signed by Lagos Solicitor-General, Ahmed Oyenuga.

In his ruling, Obasa stated that such executive-legislative friction provides an opportunity to test the resilience and clarity of existing laws.

He stressed the importance of transparency, urging all summoned officials to appear before the House to provide explanations.

Obasa said the House had summoned Oyenuga, Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro; and Local Government Commissioner, Bolaji Robert.

He added that the Director of Litigation at the Ministry of Justice must also appear to explain the proposed delay.

Reacting, Sani Okanlawon (Kosofe I) insisted that no executive order could override a valid statutory law enacted by the legislature.

Dipo Ajomale (Oshodi II) questioned the timing and necessity of the delay, noting the governor already signed the law on May 7.

Similarly, Sa’ad Olumoh reaffirmed the supremacy of legislative enactments over executive directives, urging respect for the law.

In a related matter, the Assembly summoned key officials of Oto Awori LCDA over a leadership crisis following Chairman Musbau Ashafa’s death.

House Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, said the Vice Chairman, Kareem Abiodun, declined to act as chairman, citing his interest in contesting the upcoming elections.

Obasa responded by saying Abiodun must resign to pursue his ambition or assume office as required by law.

He explained that under the amended law, a vice chairman who steps in due to a chairman’s death is considered to have served a full term.

Obasa also warned Abiodun to handle council finances carefully, noting that misconduct could affect his political future.

Consequently, lawmakers summoned the council manager, treasurer, and Oto Awori’s Local Government Service Commission chairman for clarification. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)