Sanwo-Olu Accused of Delaying New Lagos LG Law to Favour Preferred Candidate
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is facing criticism over alleged political maneuvering following the delayed implementation of the Local Government Administration Law 2025, despite assenting to the legislation nearly two months ago.
Sources disclosed that although the governor signed the law on May 7, 2025, its commencement was deliberately postponed to August 4, 2025 a nearly three-month delay.
Critics claim the delay is strategically aimed at ensuring one of the governor’s favoured candidates remains eligible for office, as the new law introduces disqualification clauses that could affect their candidacy.
“The governor is intentionally delaying the law to clear the path for one of his allies who would have been disqualified under the new provisions,” a source familiar with the matter told SaharaReporters.
The Local Government Administration Law 2025 provides updated legal structures for leadership succession, tenure limits, and disqualification rules across Lagos’ 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. One key provision states that a vice chairman who assumes the role of chairman due to resignation, death, or defection will be considered to have completed a full term.
Despite being passed and signed, the law’s Commencement Order signed by Governor Sanwo-Olu set the effective date for August 4, 2025. This sparked concerns within the Lagos State House of Assembly, which summoned the Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), and Solicitor General, Oyenuga Olanrewaju, to clarify the executive’s position.
During a plenary session, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa emphasized that a law signed by the governor should take immediate effect unless otherwise justified, warning that executive actions perceived as delays could undermine the Assembly’s legislative authority.
“Once a governor assents to a bill, the legislative process is complete. If he withholds assent, we act accordingly. But once he signs, that law stands,” Speaker Obasa stated.
Meanwhile, the Assembly received a letter from the Otto-Awori Local Council Development Area, requesting the swearing-in of Abdulkareem Abioun as substantive Chairman following the death of his predecessor. The council cited the new law but raised concerns that Abioun is still being referred to as “acting” Chairman, contrary to the law’s provisions.
The Assembly resolved to notify Governor Sanwo-Olu of the development and directed the Council Manager, Abioun, and legal officials to appear before the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for further investigation.
As political scrutiny intensifies, observers are watching closely to see whether the executive will defend the delay or move to implement the law as originally passed.
