Barrister Abiodun Aribisala, Founder and CEO of the Aribisala Care Foundation, has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to comply with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on local government autonomy. The Supreme Court in Abuja ruled that state governments have no authority to control funds allocated to local governments, mandating that these funds should be directly transferred to the local authorities.
Barrister Aribisala issued this appeal following an emergency meeting held by Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday at the Executive Chamber, Secretariat, Ibadan. He stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law to ensure that the people of Oyo State fully benefit from democratic governance.
In his remarks, Barrister Aribisala praised the Supreme Court for its landmark judgment, describing it as a pivotal step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. He noted that the ruling reinforces the autonomy and independence of local governments, which are vital for efficient and responsive governance at the grassroots level. By ensuring that funds meant for local governments reach their intended destinations, the Supreme Court has upheld the principles of federalism and decentralized power.
Furthermore, Barrister Aribisala commended the Supreme Court for its unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law. He highlighted that this judgment is a testament to the judiciary’s role as a guardian of constitutional provisions and the rights of local governments. Such rulings, he argued, not only enhance the functionality of local authorities but also empower them to better serve their communities through direct access to financial resources.
He also expressed confidence that the Supreme Court’s decision would pave the way for more robust development at the local level. Barrister Aribisala emphasized that with financial autonomy, local governments can now plan and execute projects more efficiently, addressing the unique needs of their constituents without unnecessary bureaucratic delays. This, he asserted, would lead to a more equitable distribution of resources and improved quality of life for the residents of Oyo State.
Governor Makinde, in addressing the Supreme Court’s decision, acknowledged the necessity of thorough deliberation on the ruling. He affirmed that his administration has consistently worked to deliver services to the grassroots since taking office. However, he expressed concern over the lack of formal documentation accompanying the Supreme Court’s judgment, which he said has created a legal gap between the court’s decision and the Nigerian Constitution.
Despite this, Governor Makinde assured that his administration would continue to address challenges faced by local councils. He emphasized that critical discussions were ongoing to understand the implications of the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy.
Barrister Aribisala reiterated the need for Governor Makinde to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling, highlighting that adherence to this judgment is crucial for the sustenance of democracy and the proper functioning of local governments in Oyo State.
