Address of the Learned Senior Advocate at the Just-Held Local Government Autonomy Discourse
Opening Remark by Mr. Adebayo Mutalubi Ojo, SAN, Chairman of the NBA Local Government Monitoring Committee and Former Attorney General of Oyo State
Mr. Adebayo Mutalubi Ojo is a distinguished legal practitioner and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Oyo State. With decades of experience in the legal field, he is renowned for his expertise in constitutional and administrative law. As Chairman of the Local Government Monitoring Committee, he has been a vocal advocate for local government autonomy and the rule of law. His legal acumen and dedication to upholding the constitution have earned him widespread recognition within and beyond the legal community.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) recently hosted a pivotal conversation on local government autonomy at the NBA Secretariat Auditorium in Abuja. The event, part of the State of the Nation Discourse series, was themed “Strengthening Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria.” This critical discourse brought together eminent speakers and stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the far-reaching implications of the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State & 35 Others, with a primary focus on local government financial autonomy.
Esteemed speakers included Hon. Justice Ejembi Eko, JSC (Rtd.), and Mr. Tijani Gazali, SAN, who represented the Attorney General of the Federation. The event also featured robust panel discussions involving key representatives from the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and seasoned legal practitioners. These expert voices collectively provided comprehensive insights on the legal, financial, and governance dimensions of local government autonomy.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Adebayo Mutalubi Ojo commended the Nigerian Bar Association for organizing such a timely and consequential discourse. He emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision represents a paradigm shift in the legal and administrative landscape of local government operations in Nigeria. According to Mr. Ojo, the judgment reinforces the constitutional position that local governments must operate as independent entities with financial and administrative autonomy, free from undue interference by state governments.
“I adopt the statement as ably delivered by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN,” Mr. Ojo began. “In addition to that, let me say that we should all not deceive ourselves—the position before the judgment of the Supreme Court was lethal. From that date onward, the position has changed. Whether we like it or not, there is a judgment of the Supreme Court in place, and that judgment is from the Apex Court. We must all live with it, and it would be wrong for anyone to think they can compromise or circumvent the judgment of the Supreme Court.”
He elaborated that any attempt to undermine the Supreme Court’s ruling is not only illegal but also criminal, emphasizing that all persons, bodies, and institutions must comply fully with judicial pronouncements, especially those from the highest court in the land. He warned that failure to adhere to the judgment would constitute a grave breach of the law and could foster anarchy.
Mr. Ojo also highlighted a critical point that is often overlooked: the local government system mirrors the structures found at the federal and state levels. “Local governments have their own executive committees comprising the chairman and vice-chairman—similar to the president and vice-president or the governor and deputy governor. Additionally, they have their legislative bodies, including a speaker and councillors who serve as members of their parliaments. Furthermore, they maintain their own executive cabinets, including supervisory councillors responsible for portfolios such as works, health, education, agriculture, and other essential sectors.”
He urged state governments and governors to respect and uphold the autonomy of local governments, stating that if other tiers of government are functioning effectively, local governments should be afforded the same operational independence. At the core of his address was a strong appeal to Attorneys General of the various states, urging them to ensure their governments comply fully with the Supreme Court’s judgment. “The Attorney General of each state must assist their government in ensuring compliance. Anything short of this is a direct affront to the rule of law,” he stressed.
Further elaborating on the implications of non-compliance, Mr. Ojo warned that disregarding the Supreme Court’s decision could lead to chaos and undermine the foundations of democratic governance. He pointed out that legal practitioners have a duty to uphold and defend the constitution, and any action that seeks to subvert a valid court judgment contravenes this obligation.
He also acknowledged the broader significance of local government autonomy, describing it as a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s democratic system. Without genuine financial and administrative independence, local governments cannot effectively deliver services or fulfill their constitutional mandate to the people. According to Mr. Ojo, ensuring that local governments are free from undue interference is essential to fostering democratic accountability and grassroots development.
In concluding his remarks, Mr. Ojo reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the cause of local government autonomy. He called on all stakeholders—legal professionals, public office holders, and civil society—to remain vigilant and proactive in defending the rule of law. “The Nigerian legal community must not only ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment but also continue to advocate for full implementation and sustained oversight,” he asserted.
The discourse concluded with a consensus that the Supreme Court’s judgment is a watershed moment for Nigeria’s democratic development. It reaffirms the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional principles and provides a clear legal framework for strengthening local governance. Attendees expressed optimism that, with the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, the goal of achieving full local government autonomy will soon become a reality.
Thank you all.
Mr. Adebayo Mutalubi Ojo, SAN,
Chairman, NBA Local Government Monitoring Committee.
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