Former Governor Babatunde Fashola Argues Present Constitution Hinders True Local Government Independence.
The ongoing national debate on local government autonomy has gained another prominent voice, as former Lagos State Governor and Minister, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), weighed in, describing the expectation of full independence for local councils under the existing Nigerian Constitution as "unrealistic." Speaking on Channels Television's "Sunrise Daily" program yesterday, Saturday, July 19, 2025, Fashola argued that the current legal provisions inherently limit the autonomy of local governments, making true independence a distant dream unless the Constitution itself is fundamentally reformed.
Fashola pointed out that state Houses of Assembly are constitutionally empowered to make laws for local governments, an arrangement he believes contradicts the very essence of autonomy, which implies functioning without external influence. He also highlighted the issue of financial dependence, noting that the joint account system between states and local governments, a product of past challenges like salary defaults, further undermines the financial independence of local councils. This perspective challenges the popular sentiment that local governments should operate as completely independent tiers of government.
The former governor, known for his legal background and administrative experience, emphasized that if Nigeria genuinely desires autonomous local governments, then there must be a comprehensive review of the Constitution to free up the areas currently controlled by state governments. He referenced the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, which outlines local government responsibilities, and argued that without addressing issues like land control by states, their ability to fully carry out these functions remains constrained.
Fashola's intervention adds a pragmatic, albeit perhaps controversial, dimension to the discussion. While acknowledging that "no patriot would say that all was well with the state of local governments," his analysis suggests that the current agitation for full autonomy may be misplaced without a corresponding constitutional amendment that redefines the relationship between state and local governments. This underscores the deep-seated structural issues that continue to shape governance and development at the grassroots level in Nigeria.
I'm Adedayo Obadina
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