Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu officially swore in the newly elected chairmen (and vice-chairs) of all 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state. The event marked a decisive moment after the APC swept every council seat.
In his remarks, Sanwo‑Olu emphasized: “It’s time for work, not for political vendetta.” He stressed that new council leaders must honor the trust placed in them by Lagosians, delivering real development—not settling scores.
The Governor warned against appointing political loyalists out of allegiance, particularly cautioning against installing SLGs and supervisory councillors prematurely—these appointments are to be carefully managed and will be announced later.
He urged them to make good use of the administrative and financial autonomy granted to councils: the power comes with an expectation of transparency, service orientation, and accountability. Leaders were reminded their success will be judged by visible impact on poverty, infrastructure, security, health, markets, and education.
Primary Message: Governing isn’t about political vendettas—it’s about delivering for the people.
Appointments Authority: Appointment of key positions delayed; must align with merit and need.
Autonomy Accountability:
Financial and administrative autonomy requires responsible stewardship.
Performance Mandate: Focus on concrete development outcomes: roads, security, livelihood, schools.
Sanwo‑Olu’s message underscores a shift from party politics to service-driven governance at the grassroots— emphasizing policy implementation over political maneuvering.
Given the repeated sweep by the APC in the local polls, expectations are high. The Governor made clear: council leaders must justify their autonomy through delivery, not through intra-party favors.
Governor Sanwo‑Olu has made it clear that the era of internal politicking is over for local government administration in Lagos. Council chairmen have been tasked to leave aside opportunism and divisions—instead prioritize community development, transparency, and impact-driven leadership.
