Hon. Olubunmi Ezekiel Obeisun, the former Chairman of the Oriade Local Government Council and a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) within the Ijesa North Federal Constituency, has expressed his approval of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling supporting local government autonomy.
The Supreme Court’s decision, which reaffirms the autonomy of local governments, is viewed as a significant step towards enhancing grassroots democracy and governance in Nigeria. This landmark ruling emphasizes the importance of local government councils operating independently, without undue interference from state governments.
In a statement released on Thursday, Hon. Obeisun lauded the Supreme Court’s decision, describing it as a victory for democracy and local governance. “This ruling by the Supreme Court is a monumental stride towards empowering local governments,” he said. “It will enable local councils to manage their resources more effectively and make decisions that directly benefit their communities.”
Hon. Obeisun emphasized that the decision would lead to improved service delivery at the local level, allowing councils to address the unique needs of their constituencies more efficiently. He noted that the autonomy granted to local governments would facilitate better infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and other essential services, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents.
As a key advocate for local government reform, Hon. Obeisun highlighted the long-standing challenges faced by local councils due to limited autonomy and excessive state control. He pointed out that the Supreme Court’s ruling would help to rectify these issues, fostering a more equitable distribution of power and resources.
Hon. Obeisun called on all stakeholders to support the implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision, urging local government councils to seize this opportunity to demonstrate their capacity for effective self-governance. He also encouraged state governments to respect the autonomy of local councils and collaborate with them to ensure the success of this new era in local governance.
The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to decentralize governance in Nigeria, and it is expected to pave the way for more robust and responsive local government systems across the country.