Lagos Speaker Obasa Emphasizes The Endurance Of Local Council Development Areas

Lagos Speaker Obasa Emphasizes The Endurance Of Local Council Development AreasRt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has reiterated that the 37 Local Government Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos are here to stay. During a public hearing on a bill aimed at amending local government administration laws, he clarified that there are no intentions to abolish the LCDAs.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

“We are here to discuss a bill that will enhance the administration of our third tier of government. The LCDAs are established to remain, and we have no plans to eliminate them. Our focus is on understanding the Supreme Court’s judgment and determining our path forward,” Obasa stated.

He urged citizens to advocate for the LCDAs’ recognition in the constitution by engaging with their national representatives. He confirmed that the legal framework for creating the LCDAs was sound and emphasized the importance of lobbying for their constitutional acknowledgment.

“We followed the proper process in establishing the LCDAs, and now it’s crucial for every Lagosian to support their preservation by reaching out to our representatives at the national level,” he urged.

Obasa also noted a recent meeting concerning the local government electoral bill, which he views as a foundational step toward effective local governance. He explained that the bill, currently under public review, aims to consolidate existing laws and enhance the operational efficiency of local governments.

Key provisions in the proposed legislation include a four-year term for elected officials, clarity on the duties and powers of local government leaders, and processes for key appointments and removals.

The bill specifically states that there will be 37 LCDAs in Lagos, as outlined in its schedules.

During the hearing, Hon. Noheem Adams, Majority Leader, provided an overview of the bill. Concerns were raised by Lagos Senior Advocate Muiz Banire regarding the governor’s authority over council chairmen, advocating for the removal of a section that allows the Ministry of Local Government to set operational guidelines.

Banire asserted that the Supreme Court ruling emphasizes the independence of council chairmen from gubernatorial control, and he criticized the provision as unlawful.

In contrast, former Deputy Speaker Hon. Kolawole Taiwo defended the assembly’s legal authority to regulate local governments, citing the constitutional mandate for creating local governments.

Hon. Funmilayo Tejuoso likened the LCDAs to an unnamed child, asserting that their existence is recognized by the Supreme Court, pending constitutional amendments.

Support for the LCDAs was echoed by various stakeholders, including Imam Ibrahim Tijani and community leader Ajose Agbejoye, the latter proposing that local government elections should occur six months prior to the expiration of current terms to ensure smooth transitions.

Adeniyi Olutimehin, President of the Greater Lagos Initiative, also urged the assembly to maintain the operations of the LCDAs regardless of the bill’s amendments.

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