The 33 council chairmen in Oyo State have officially left the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) following a Supreme Court ruling that granted financial autonomy to local governments nationwide. In a communique, the chairmen expressed their unwavering support for Governor Seyi Makinde, commending his leadership and achievements since taking office.
ALGON’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Akintayo, described the chairmen’s decision as a show of solidarity with Makinde’s stance on local government autonomy. The chairmen plan to form a new association dedicated to protecting the interests of their constituents, which will be registered under Nigerian law.
Governor Makinde had previously convened a meeting with stakeholders to discuss the implications of the Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing the need for proactive solutions to ensure transparency and protect citizens’ interests. His approach has garnered mixed reactions from the public, with some supporting his leadership while others criticize his handling of the situation.
The newly proposed association aims to uphold democratic principles and ensure effective development at the local level, as outlined in the 1999 Constitution. The chairmen believe that this move is essential for addressing the challenges faced by their communities and providing better governance.