Lagos: 57 Council Chairmen Take Oath As Sanwo-Olu Pushes For Local Governance Renewal

…‘Serve The People’ …..Gov Tasks Council Chairmen On Accountability, Grassroots Governance 

By BENJAMIN OMOIKE LAGOS, Nigeria — Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on Sunday called for a renewed commitment to grassroots governance, transparency, and accountability as he swore-in newly elected chairmen of Lagos State’s 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The event, held at the Sports Pavilion Ground, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, marked a significant milestone in the state’s democratic journey.

Speaking to the newly inaugurated chairmen and their deputies, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that their election represented the will of the people and a mandate to serve with integrity.

“Your victory is not a trophy, it is a mandate, and it comes with weighty expectations,” he said, congratulating the chairmen on their fair and free election.

He commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for conducting a peaceful, transparent, and credible election, highlighting the maturing of democratic institutions at the grassroots level.

The governor underscored the critical role of local government as the tier closest to the people, tasked with delivering tangible improvements in roads, healthcare, education, markets, environmental sanitation, youth engagement, and community security.

“Your performance will be measured not by the eloquence of your speeches but by the visibility of your actions,” he stated, urging the chairmen to translate the state’s THEMES+ agenda, focused on Transportation, Health, Education, Environment, Security, and Social Inclusion—into impactful projects that uplift every community, including rural and riverine areas.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted the newfound fiscal and administrative autonomy granted to local governments by a recent Supreme Court ruling, noting that Lagos has long championed such independence.

“You now have direct access to your council’s funds. With this comes direct accountability. No excuses. No finger pointing. The buck now stops with you,” he declared, urging the chairmen to use this autonomy responsibly and transparently.

The governor outlined three guiding principles for the new leaders: Grassroots Development, Transparent Governance, and Accountability to the People.

He called for inclusive governance that ensures no community is left behind, transparent budgeting, and open engagement through town hall meetings.

“Avoid secrecy. Avoid waste. Avoid mismanagement. Corruption does not just rob government, it robs the people of hope,” he cautioned.

He reminded the chairmen that they are stewards, not rulers, accountable to the people who elected them, not to political godfathers or bureaucracy.

Sanwo-Olu urged the chairmen to rise above political pettiness and foster collaboration with their teams, neighboring councils, traditional institutions, the private sector, and the state government.

“If we get it right at the local level, we will get it right across the state,” he said, emphasizing that the strength of Lagos lies in the effectiveness of its 57 local councils.

Pledging the state government’s support, the governor also set a high standard for performance.

“There will be no tolerance for underperformance. Those who betray the people’s trust will be held accountable,” he warned.

He called on the chairmen to lead with courage, compassion, and clarity, driven by service rather than ambition.

Sanwo-Olu framed the swearing-in as the start of a movement to bring governance to every doorstep, restore dignity to every citizen, and build a greater Lagos from the grassroots up.

“Let your names be remembered, not for titles held, but for lives touched,” he said, rallying the chairmen to begin their work with purpose.