Full LG Autonomy: Osun Monarch, Oba Olatunbosun Backs FG, Reveals Benefits

By Hammed Tajudeen, Osogbo

The Akirè of Ìkirè-Ilé Kingdom in
Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area of
Osun State, His Royal Majesty, Ọba Abdulazeez Olatunbosun, has backed the Federal Government on its efforts to grant full autonomy to local government across the country.

Blaze Newz gathered that there are seven hundred and seventy four (774) local governments in the country’s thirty six (36) state which included the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Throwing his weight behind the Federal Government which recently dragged governors of the federation to Supreme Court over their refusal to allow local governments operate autonomously, Oba Olatunbosun, in a statement personally signed on Wednesday said “The latest step taken by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking the Supreme Court to make a pronouncement on the lingering issue of whether the Local Government in Nigeria is entitled to Full Autonomy under the Nigerian Constitution as a separate and autonomous tier of government from the State and the Federal Governments, is a welcome development.

The monarch who frowned to the pattern under which local governments are being run called for a properly address in order to pave way for LGs full autonomy

Highlighting the rationales behind granting local governments full autonomy the monarch noted;

1. No more State influence:
An autonomous local government system will solve the problem of undue influence of the State Government and the State House of Assembly on the activities and finances of the local government.

2. System development and stability:
As a fully autonomous tier of government, the local government will be able to develop its own system and gain stability along the line of the constitutional provisions that established it and seek to remain relevant and responsible, as a result of which it could attract professionals and technocrats in local government development.

3. Grassroots development:
Autonomy will enable the local government to address specific needs and priorities, promoting grassroot development and community engagement.

4. Efficient resource allocation:
A local government can manage resources more effectively, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensuring timely project execution.

5. Improved service delivery:
A full LGA autonomy will facilitate better provision of basic services like healthcare, education, and sanitation, enhancing citizens’ quality of life.

6. Enhanced accountability:
The Local government will become more accountable to their constituents, increasing transparency and reducing corruption.

7. Promotes federalism:
Full LGA autonomy aligns with Nigeria’s federal structure, allowing for greater decentralization and distribution of power.

8. Encourages local economic growth:
True autonomy will enable the local government to create economic opportunities, stimulating local economies and reducing dependence on federal funding.

9. Increased citizen participation:
Autonomy will foster greater citizen involvement in local governance, strengthening democratic principles and community engagement.

10. Better management of local affairs:
The local government can address unique local challenges and capitalize on opportunities, tailored to their specific context.

11. Reduced burden on federal government:
Adequate autonomy for the LGA will allow the federal government to focus on national issues, alleviating the burden of managing local affairs.

12. International best practices:
Local government autonomy aligns with global trends, promoting good governance and sustainable development.

The traditional leader ,however, said that Federal Government has a duty to ensure adequate accountability saying “The main argument that has been canvassed against giving full autonomy for the LGA is corruption at the local government level.

He added that agencies of government saddled with the responsibility of checking corrupt practices in the country must be up and doing.