SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT: LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY WILL FAIL- FAYOSE

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has voiced his concerns on the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that upholds the right of local governments to receive their monthly allocations directly from the federation account.
As a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party, he emphasizes that despite this court decision, state Houses of Assembly and Governors will continue to pose a significant obstacle to the autonomy of local governments. Fayose shared his views during an appearance on the Sunday edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today. He asserted that no individual from the grassroots can become a local government chairman without the support of a governor.

The Ekiti politician argued that both the court and the federal government “cannot take the baby from the mother,” implying that the relationship between state governments and local governments is deeply entrenched and difficult to sever. Despite acknowledging that he is not a lawyer but rather a politician and an elder statesman, Fayose expressed his stance on the matter.
He made it clear that while he believes no government should withhold local government funds, the reality is that the governor’s influence over local government leadership is inescapable, and anyone claiming otherwise is simply wasting their time. As the leader of the local administration, I had the honor of obtaining funds from the federation account, during my time as governor, the allocation from Abuja reached my office. This financial support was handled by individuals who were not elected officials or the head of the council.