In a surprising administrative directive that has sent ripples across grassroots governance in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has placed a temporary hold on the appointment of Secretaries to Local Governments (SLGs) and Supervisory Councillors by the recently inaugurated Chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The newly sworn-in council bosses, who assumed office following the just-concluded local government elections, have been instructed to suspend the selection of these critical officials pending further notice. This decision has stirred unease within several council areas, as it affects the day-to-day functioning and political structure of the local administration.
According to credible government sources, the move is part of an ongoing reform aimed at sanitising the appointment process at the third tier of government. The Sanwo-Olu administration is reportedly reviewing frameworks for local governance to promote transparency, merit, and accountability in appointments, in line with its broader THEMES Plus agenda, which focuses on Governance and Structural Reforms among other pillars.
By withholding the power to appoint SLGs and supervisory councillors — positions that often hold significant influence over budgeting, public works, and local administration — the state government is tightening oversight and ensuring that all appointees meet proper standards of competence and integrity. The roles, often filled through political patronage in the past, have drawn criticism from civil society groups for lacking professionalism and being susceptible to abuse.
This development comes just weeks after the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) concluded the LG elections, which saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) retain control of the majority of council seats. While the council chairmen have since resumed office and started engaging with their constituents, the restriction now imposes limits on how quickly they can constitute their local cabinets and implement community-focused programmes.
Some stakeholders within the councils have expressed concern over how the delay could affect grassroots service delivery, especially in areas such as waste management, road rehabilitation, and revenue generation, which fall within the remit of the suspended positions. Others, however, believe the governor’s decision is a necessary step towards restoring discipline and curbing political excesses at the local level.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who has consistently emphasised institutional reforms in governance, is expected to issue clearer guidelines in the coming weeks regarding the criteria and processes for local appointments. In the interim, council chairmen are advised to work within the bounds of the new directive and await further communication from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
As the state continues to pursue a governance model rooted in transparency and performance, the temporary freeze on appointments may well become a turning point in redefining local government operations across Lagos.
