2027 House of Assembly Hopeful, Samson Babarinde, Calls for True Local Government Autonomy

A 2027 Oyo State House of Assembly hopeful representing Ibarapa East Constituency, Barrister Samson Babarinde, has called for genuine local government autonomy, lamenting the current system where governors exercise overwhelming control over local government finances through the State Joint Account.

Speaking on the structural challenges hindering local governance, Babarinde faulted the appointment of unelected local government administrators, describing them as mere extensions of the governor’s authority rather than representatives of the people.

According to him, “The issue of our local government lies in the hands of the governor, the House of Assembly members, and the local government administrators. These administrators were not elected; they were picked. The votes did not count.”

Babarinde explained that the constitutional provision for a joint account between state and local governments has given governors unfettered access to local funds. “Immediately the local government receives money, the governor requests that it be paid into the joint account of the state, giving him total control,” he said.

He also criticized state legislators for failing in their oversight duties. “The lawmakers who should protect the people’s interest are dining with the executive for personal gain. They have become tools in the hands of the governors,” he stated.

On the way forward, Babarinde advocated for a constitutional amendment that will make local governments truly independent. However, he admitted that achieving this would be difficult since the same House of Assembly members, who are often under the governors’ influence, are needed to amend the constitution.

He further noted that although the Supreme Court had previously ruled in favor of direct local government funding, the decision was rendered ineffective due to the joint account provision that still empowers governors to demand control of the funds.

Babarinde also expressed concern about the concentration of development projects in Ibadan at the expense of other regions in the state, attributing it to weak legislative oversight and political complacency.

Commenting on the federal government’s recent proposal to conduct local government elections through a national electoral body, Babarinde cautioned that such a move, while breaking state dominance, could centralize too much power at the federal level. “That will break the shackles of the governors, but it could also place local governments under the shackles of the federal government, moving from frying pan to fire,” he added.

He concluded with optimism that Nigeria would eventually get it right, calling for a system that genuinely reflects grassroots democracy and accountability.

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Adedokun Sunday

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