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By Emma Njoku
Chairmanship candidate for Eti-Osa Local Government Area in the last local government elections in Lagos State, John Ademola Akano, has said granting autonomy to the local governments does not guarantee development in the grassroots.
The businessman, whose interests span banking and real estate, made the assertion amid the unfolding power struggle between President Bola Tinubu and state governors, with far-reaching implications for grassroots governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a recent chat with Daily Sun, Akano weighed in on the renewed debate, describing the push for autonomy as both a governance reform and a high-stake political contest.
He noted that the local governments were constitutionally designed to bring democratic governance closer to the people, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, but regretted that “over the years, councils have become financially dependent on state governments, politically controlled and administratively weakened.” The debate on local government autonomy gained fresh momentum following a landmark Supreme Court judgment granting local governments direct allocation of funds from the Federation Account. While many Nigerians view the ruling as a genuine effort to strengthen grassroots democracy, accountability, and service delivery, others see it as a calculated move to weaken the grip of state governors over local councils and political structures.
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Although some observers claim that the judgment aligns with President Tinubu’s broader reform agenda aimed at improving governance at the grassroots, others view it as an attempt to reassert federal authority over states and reduce the influence of governors over local government assemblies, councils, and party machinery—moves seen by some as preparatory steps ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Autonomy alone will not guarantee development. Without strong procurement processes, effective auditing and active citizen oversight at the local level, autonomy may remain a slogan rather than a solution.”
Akano cautioned against placing all the blame on state governors, arguing that many local government chairmen have also contributed to poor administration, weak accountability, and lack of transparency. He identified issues such as ghost workers, limited administrative capacity, and the use of council positions as rewards for political loyalty.
“Adequate and transparently managed funding is essential for improving living conditions at the grassroots.” Akano noted with the current legal, political, and administrative battles, the future of local government autonomy may well shape Nigeria’s democratic landscape, ahead of next year’s general elections.
