A former Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Mr. Oluwaseun Abimbola, has called on the Oyo State government to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment granting fiscal autonomy to Local Government Areas (LGAs). Abimbola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), made this statement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.
His comments came in response to the Oyo State government’s decision to review the ruling and consider actions that align with its preferences. Abimbola emphasized that it would be improper for any state or local government to act contrary to the Supreme Court’s judgment, as the constitution mandates adherence to decisions made by the apex court.
He further noted that even though states might have their laws that people could disagree with, those laws must still be obeyed, reflecting the principles of democracy. He warned that states cannot disregard the judgment and suggested that the court itself could reconsider its decisions, as it has done in the past.
Similarly, Ibadan-based human rights lawyer Mr. Olatunde Fatola criticized the Oyo State government’s intention to review the judgment, calling it laughable and self-mocking. Fatola argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling is binding on all individuals and authorities, and the LGAs in Oyo State should not seek to relinquish their autonomy back to the state government after being granted financial freedom by the court.
Fatola also expressed concerns about the implications for Nigeria’s democracy if states are allowed to challenge the Supreme Court’s authority. He mentioned that, ideally, the LGAs should have initiated the lawsuit themselves, though the Federal Government eventually took up the case. He highlighted that each LGA should receive a minimum of N347 million monthly to manage their affairs, but they currently receive only N12 million.
In related news, Pathway News recalls that the 33 council chairmen in Oyo State have withdrawn from the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) following the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to LGAs. In a communique signed by all the chairmen, they expressed their unwavering support for the state governor, Seyi Makinde.
