Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has expressed concerns over the Supreme Court judgment affirming local governments’ right to receive monthly allocations directly from the federation account. The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain highlighted that despite the court’s ruling, state Houses of Assembly and governors will continue to impede local government autonomy.
Fayose shared his views during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Sunday. He emphasized that no individual from the grassroots can become a local government chairman without a governor’s support, stating that the court and the federal government cannot sever the close relationship between state and local governance.
“I am not a lawyer. I am a politician and, by God’s grace today, an elder statesman. While I believe no government should withhold local government funds, the reality is you cannot separate the local governments from the influence of the governors. No one can become a council chairman without a governor’s backing. Anyone saying otherwise is simply wasting time,” Fayose said.
He added, “The state House of Assembly controls and oversees local government activities. When I was governor, we received funds from Abuja, managed by state officials, not the council chairmen. The local government commissioner represents the governor, while others are local government officials, workers, and pensioners. They manage the funds. Saying we are empowering local governments is misleading; no real power is being transferred.”
Fayose also criticized the commitment of council officials, suggesting many do not take their responsibilities seriously. He pointed out that local government staff attendance is often poor.
“Any council chairman who thinks they can disrespect their governor will quickly learn that the House of Assembly controls their fate. You can’t even become a council chairman without the governor’s support. The House of Assembly regulates your activities.
“Visit a council office on a Wednesday or Friday, and you’ll find that less than 10 percent of the staff are present. They often don’t show up. If you try to hold them accountable, NULGE and local government leaders will plead with the governor. They’ll threaten not to vote for you. This is how local governments operate. The state administration is more effective. At the local level, everyone is there to collect money, even those who have moved away and just receive funds in their accounts,” he concluded.