Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarunmi, has declared his support for local government autonomy, insisting that councils must be allowed to exercise their constitutional responsibilities without undue interference from state governments.
Gbolarunmi’s position comes amid continuing national discussions over the implementation of the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment of July 11, 2024, which affirmed the financial independence of local government councils.
The judgment directed that allocations due to local governments be paid directly into their accounts, strengthening the legal basis for councils to manage their finances and discharge their responsibilities.
Gbolarunmi maintained that local governments constitute a distinct tier of government and should be allowed to function in accordance with the Constitution.
His position places local government autonomy among the governance issues likely to feature in discussions surrounding the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
The Significance of the Supreme Court Judgment
Local government autonomy has remained a contentious issue in Nigeria, particularly over the control and management of funds allocated to councils from the Federation Account.
Although local governments are constitutionally recognised as a tier of government, their practical independence has often been questioned because of the influence exercised by state governments over their finances and administration.
The Supreme Court’s July 2024 decision sought to address a central aspect of that dispute by directing that allocations due to local government councils be paid directly into their accounts.
The ruling was widely regarded as an important step towards strengthening financial independence at the grassroots level.
However, the implementation of the judgment has continued to generate debate over the administrative arrangements required to ensure that councils receive and manage their funds in accordance with the law.
Gbolarunmi’s position reflects the argument that genuine local government autonomy requires more than constitutional recognition. It also requires the practical ability of councils to make decisions, manage resources and deliver services within their legally defined responsibilities.
Accountability Remains Essential
Support for local government autonomy also raises questions about accountability, transparency and the quality of governance at the grassroots.
Financial independence can give councils greater flexibility to address local needs, including roads, primary healthcare, sanitation, markets and community infrastructure.
However, autonomy alone does not guarantee better public services. Its effectiveness will depend on how council officials manage public funds, whether procurement processes are transparent and whether residents can hold their elected representatives accountable.
Stronger financial independence must therefore be accompanied by effective auditing, public scrutiny and compliance with applicable laws.
For residents, the central concern is whether local governments can convert their constitutional responsibilities and financial resources into tangible improvements in living conditions.
A Governance Issue Ahead of 2027
As political parties and aspirants prepare for the next governorship election in Oyo State, positions on local government administration could become an important part of the debate over the state’s future.
Gbolarunmi’s declaration signals his support for a governance framework in which councils exercise their responsibilities as a distinct tier of government.
The broader test, however, will be how political leaders propose to implement autonomy while ensuring that local administrations remain transparent, financially responsible and responsive to residents.
The Supreme Court judgment has established an important legal foundation for local government financial independence. Its lasting impact will depend on effective implementation and the ability of councils to use their resources in the public interest.