*Use the autonomy wisely, let your tenure reflect not political entitlement, but public responsibility Sanwo-Olu charged newly inaugurated council chairmen

By Matthias Ogbagah

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, July 27, 2025, during the official swearing-in of the 57 local government chairmen, gave reasons why he barred them from appointing Secretary to Local Governments (SLGs) and supervisory councillors.

Sanwo-Olu made the announcement shortly after he swore in the newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen across the 57 local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The event took place at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Ikeja.
He urged them to use the next 30 to 60 days to settle down and familiarise themselves with the needs of their communities.

Sanwo-Olu addressing the chairmen
The state government, he said, would inform the chairmen when it’s time to make the appointments.
The governor, however, enjoined them to appoint a Chief of Staff to aid the coordination of their daily activities, advising them to embrace inclusive leadership and prioritise the welfare of residents.

He noted that the state had stayed true to the local government autonomy, he advised the council chiefs to use their power wisely and guard it with transparency saying there will be no tolerance for underperformance.
He warned that those who betrayed people’s trust would be held accountable, as Lagos deserved nothing less.

“We are living through a new era of local government autonomy—fiscal and administrative independence now affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Lagos has consistently taken the lead in this regard. As chairmen, you now have direct access to your council’s funds. With this comes direct accountability. No excuses. No finger-pointing. The buck now stops with you.

“Use this autonomy wisely. Guard it with transparency. Let your tenure reflect not political entitlement, but public responsibility. Leadership must never be about personal gain; it must be about public impact,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the new council chairmen, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Sesan Olowa, appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu and the people of Lagos for the opportunity and platform provided to them to serve.

Olowa, who was elected shortly after the event as the Chairman of Conference 57, said he and his colleagues across the 57 councils would remain committed to sustaining the legacy of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and delivering impactful governance.

“We will uphold the values of the APC and ensure development touches every ward and community under our care,” he pledged.