The debate over local government autonomy has remained a pressing issue in Nigeria’s democratic landscape. While many advocate for full independence of the third tier of government, concerns over financial prudence, political interference, and administrative efficiency continue to shape the discourse.

Against this backdrop, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, shares insights into the realities of local government administration, the challenges confronting grassroots governance, and his vision for Akure South in this exclusive interview with Weekend Hope.

Excerpt:

Recently, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a landmark judgment in which it ruled that henceforth, local government allocations from the federation account should go directly to the local government. What is the import of the verdict on local government administration?

I must say categorically that we are not beneficiaries of Mr Governor. We are beneficiaries of our constituents, who came out to vote for us en masse. The only reason why you say it’s a close case is because of the 18.0 Pro Max gotten by our own governor in Ondo State. Maybe because we repeat the same, it makes us Siamese twins in this call.

For me, the July 11 Supreme Court judgment has come to stay. And emphatically, the governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has affirmed this. And, of course, having affirmed this position, it is based on the autonomy of the local government. You know, there are rudiments. As we speak, in Ondo State, Akure South Local Government, specifically for me, as what they call remitta, that pays for the expenditures, salaries, and other emoluments, we do not have that at the moment. If indeed the allocation comes straight from the federal allocation account, there are so many things that must be put in place, or our people will be thrown into jeopardy.

If today the allocation comes, there are constitutional provisions that must be amended to suit the full flex of autonomy. For me, autonomy is not new to local government administration. We enjoy autonomy in local government administration, though it is administrative. The one that we are expecting now is financial. For us, autonomy in local government is not strange. It is not new to us. Local government is the third tier of government. It is a government on its own.

And the way we run our government in Ondo State, I have been privileged to be in the system. I was a secretary of Akure South Local Government under a democratically elected government. And, of course, there was not so much of an encumbrance from the state. But the position of the judgment, for me, is in the interest of the vast majority of the people that I lead, which is why I support the judgment. Why? It will bring betterment. It will bring governance closer to the people. And, of course, the journey of the people will be met.

I say this again. One of the perennial issues we have in our society at a local level, talking about security, is because local government, in its full flex, has not been operating—has not had this autonomy. So many of the menaces in our society would have been solved if financial autonomy were in place for us. And for me, I welcome the judgment, as much as, of course, the governor of Ondo State does, because I know it will be for the betterment of the vast majority of our people.

Now, if the state government has this light of a handshake, don’t forget, when a child is born, it comes with a placenta and a cord. And before the child says, “I want to disconnect this placenta for survival,” he must have been able to wean himself. There are so many things that the constitution must be amended for us to be weaned on our own, for survival without the placenta of the state.

Now that you have assumed the office of chairman of Akure South Local Government, what are your priorities for the people?

Keenly, I have two, and I count them under two umbrellas.

Number one is what I call human infrastructure. There are so many needs of our people, human infrastructure in all phases, human demands. Education is human infrastructure to me, and I would define it.

There are a lot of people out there who are graduates. They are looking for a support system to stay on their own. My government, as chairman, will definitely give very huge support for them to be sustained.

For those who want to go for technical training, these days, we lack technical schools that were instituted by our forefathers, but it is a thing of the past. My programme, called Human Capital Investment, will look into this area of technical training. In the face of technical training, in ICT, and every support system of human endeavour we need for them to be sustained, is what I call Human Capital Investment Infrastructure that I will implement.

One, to make sure that whoever you are, whatever you do, in whatever facet, you will be able to be sustained. That is one. And that covers all spheres before going to infrastructure.

Take a look at Akure’s topography. For me, its urbanisation does not depict a state capital. I’m not just a chairman; I’m the mayor of Akure South Local Government.

For that reason, looking at Akure’s urbanisation does not satisfy me. I want to change its face to attract investors and, of course, to be able to wear the full regalia of a place called a state capital. To me, we do not embody that enough.

There are projects to consider. When you look at a local government of Akure South, and when you look at the state, the state has what is called the Ondo State Government House. In my administration, we are looking at an Akure South Government House, to truly establish our presence as a government and not just a subdivision of the state.

We will have our own government house. If you are acquainted with Akure South Local Government, you will know there are projects we are planning to implement. Regarding infrastructure, I intend to establish an executive complex within the local government.

We are also assessing Akure’s position in terms of electrification. We aim to do more in the area of infrastructure—covering lighting, roads, and all other forms of physical infrastructure—aside from the human aspect of development.

Residents have long complained about poor interior roads and waste management system in Akure South. What concrete steps will your administration take to address these concerns, sir?

You know, before now, there had been a contractual agreement awarded by the state. When you look at Akure South, there have been certain interwoven relationships. Previously, the Ministry of Environment had a contractual agreement with ZLP for environmental maintenance.

Now that we are in the executive arm of the local government, I assure our people that change is coming. Two days ago, the courts sealed about 13 houses within Akure to send a clear message: it will no longer be business as usual if the environment is poorly maintained. We have visited markets and communities, and I specifically mentioned that 13 houses along Owode/Imagun were sealed due to non-compliance.

We are carrying out sensitisation efforts because prevention is better than cure. Our goal is to create awareness, ensuring that environmental maintenance ushers in a new era in which we all live in a clean and hygienic environment. To achieve this, we will implement policies and programmes to give the local government a fresh look in terms of environmental management.

One of our initiatives involves collaboration with an institution to ensure the proper maintenance of Akure. As I mentioned earlier, if proper urbanisation were in place, there would be designated locations for large waste bins, including in our markets and streets. This is part of our broader urbanisation efforts.

Years ago, households had waste bins, but that practice has largely disappeared. We are reintroducing it, making it mandatory for every domestic environment to have a waste bin. Our vehicles will collect the waste on a weekly basis.

Previously, Akure South Local Government did not have a designated waste disposal site. Now, under our administration, we have allocated a site for waste disposal. In the past, people would ask where to dispose of their waste. Now, we have secured a location under our watch to ensure a hygienic environment.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday provided utility vehicles to local government chairmen. How will this enhance your administration’s efficiency, and what specific impact should the people expect?

I must say, governance at the third tier is quite rudimentary. To be efficient and effective in carrying out our duties, utility vehicles will be essential. As we speak, these vehicles will enable us to access interior areas and serve our people effectively.

Ordinarily, it would have been a different situation, but these are utility vehicles, not luxury cars. Their purpose is to facilitate movement, reach different areas, and ensure coverage across the local government. That is why they have been provided—to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our work.

During your inauguration, the governor announced that the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) have come to stay. This means your administration now oversees what are essentially parastatals or agencies.

In Lagos State, LCDAs are headed by elected officials, and they receive allocations, possibly shared with the constitutionally recognised local governments under which they operate.

In Ondo State’s case, I would like you to speak on behalf of ALGON. Are you in agreement with the governor’s decision that your administration should bear the responsibility of overseeing LCDAs and their officials, including chairmen and committee members? What is your position?

As I must say, let me speak using a certain example from the Southwest. Oyo State runs LCDAs, ditto Ekiti and Lagos States. And then, regarding the example cited, if you look at Oyo State, the LCDAs in Oyo State are being manned—perhaps the main local government, another LCDA, with the vice chairman in one and the secretary to the local government in another.

But what I know is that the LCDAs in Ondo State are a product of state law. I’m sure, in no time, Mr Governor will do the needful in the area of the legal framework for the creation of those LCDAs. That will put the matter to rest.

But for us, we are not perturbed. Why? They are within our constituency. It is not a different local government; they are within the jurisdiction of our constituency. There is an LCDA within my local government. For me, it will make my work much easier because I will be able to delegate.

They are not elected. If there are aides under us to make the work smoother, then for us, the law that created them needs to be amended. That, I am sure, will be done in no time. But for me and our people, we are not perturbed by this. It will make our work seamless.

As a rider to that question, in Akure, for instance—Akure South, for instance—I think there are three LCDAs, while some local councils have one or two. Don’t you think this will be a burden on your allocation? Have you addressed this aspect?

When you talk about allocation, for a long time, for me, looking at Akure as a template and case study, to be able to cover the entire length and breadth of Akure South Local Government, I will need some aides for assistance.

Definitely, as much as—don’t forget—it is an entity of government, a whole government on its own, which is the third tier. As an example, they will be able to work with us to achieve better results. Better, because, for me, at times, attention will be required from different wards. They will be representatives of the chairman. For us, it’s not going to be too much of a strain on allocation.

As the youth and women play vital roles in community development, what exactly are your plans for your administration regarding job creation and skills acquisition for the youth?

Definitely, we are going to have an all-inclusive government. Don’t forget, I am one of the clusters of youth. It is going to be all-inclusive.

When I pointed out some of our plans, I mentioned ICT. I also talked about technical training, which is mainly for the youth and women.

For a very long time, one thing we have observed is the neglect of this segment. They were neglected at a time. For me, ICT is the way forward.

We are investing greatly and extensively in this to engage our youth. Of course, for the women, I earlier mentioned when reiterating the human capital support investment that we are doing for them—whatever kind of business, whatever they do, we want to provide a support system. I mentioned this.

For this reason, our government will be all-inclusive—for women, youth, and others.

Before the actualisation of local government autonomy, how do you intend to sustain security in Akure South?

When it comes to the security architecture of Ondo State, we are regarded as one of the most secure states. Of course, when I talk about the state, I am mainly referring to Akure South Local Government.

Compared to what we hear from other local governments and other states, for us, our focus is on sustaining what we have. Assuredly, when the likes of those who are currently unengaged become fully engaged, as the Yoruba adage says, “Owo ti o ba ti d’ile, Esu ma wa ise fun”—which means, “An idle hand is the devil’s workshop.”

I’ve mentioned earlier ICT and technical training. One thing that people lack is proper training. Many people want to learn within three months and expect to become masters, which creates a significant encumbrance as they are not well trained.

A good number of people here, when they want to build, have to look outside to import labour, believing others can do it better. Yes, I have observed this within the metropolis of Akure.

I don’t know if it’s happening in other places. When you say you won’t look for skilled hands in this artisan sector, they look elsewhere. But what my technical training centre wants to do is train them better so they can meet world-class standards.

Once they are trained, gainfully supported, engaged, and employed, I tell you, the issue of security will fizzle out in no time.

Prior to elections, we discover that many politicians make campaign promises but fail to deliver. How will you ensure that your administration remains transparent and accountable to the people of Akure South?

That’s a commendable question. I say this now for the record.

Our government will run an open system of governance. I want to be held accountable. Objectively, I refer to the last term, during the transition era, when I was privileged to be the transitional chairman of Akure South Local Government.

I implemented ideas for people to see. I recall that in the first week of our appointment, we held what we called a community engagement. This engagement brought together people from the 11 wards of Akure, including community leaders—close to 500 individuals converging. Through this, we created a platform for discussion.

As I speak, I have a platform in Akure South Local Government that brings together all the leaders—whether community leaders or street chairmen of respective communities—so they can engage with us. When their demands are ignored, that’s when you see protests on the streets. But in our administration, we are bringing everyone together, breaking barriers, and bridging the gap between the people and the government. This way, everyone will be on the same page, and the people’s demands will be heard.

Sir, we know that agriculture is the new way of life. What are your administration’s plans to support farmers and encourage youth participation in agribusiness?

We have nominated several individuals—specifically, I won’t be able to quote the exact number—of young ladies, not just women, within the age range of 25 to 35, for special training. This cluster of individuals will undergo training. Ninety-five per cent of them will be women or young ladies within this age range who are eager to be trained.

For us, every impetus and machinery necessary for effectiveness will be provided. During our transition era, we launched Operation Eat What We Produce, and we are reviving it. We will be supporting this initiative, and it will begin in no time.

How do you intend to collaborate with traditional leaders, community leaders, and other stakeholders to foster strength and development in agribusiness in Akure South Local Government?

That is a key leadership attribute. As chairman of Akure South Local Government and the chief security officer, I have a very smooth and warm relationship with all tiers of chieftaincy in the land to maintain and sustain the relative peace we enjoy here.

Confidently, I assure you that we have a monthly meeting in place, which we will continue. We work closely with traditional rulers, and if any issue arises, our office is the first point of contact to resolve it. At the moment, we are on top of it, ensuring a cordial relationship with chieftaincy and traditional rulers.

As a follow-up to that question, you recall that recently, the Court of Appeal, which sat in Akure, ruled that the Iralepo of Isinkan should not be addressed as an Oba but, at best, as a chief or a high chief. Swiftly, the Deji of Akure, who is the paramount ruler, announced that the Iralepo had been dethroned and is now a mister.  Now, how is the Local Council under your leadership handling the matter to ensure that, pending the determination of the suit by the Supreme Court, there is no breakdown of law and order?

As we speak, you can see that, despite the judgment delivered on Friday, we are still enjoying peace. This is because of the measures we have put in place. When it comes to chieftaincy and security matters, we do not discuss them in public. However, within the government structure, we are taking the necessary actions. Moreover, since the matter is already in court, it is incumbent upon us not to comment on it. That said, we are fully in control of chieftaincy matters in Akure South Local Government.

Nigeria is currently facing economic challenges, including inflation and high living costs. What do you think local governments can do to help ease the burden on citizens?

I must say, that is a brilliant question. When it comes to addressing the high cost of living, it is a peculiar issue here. As of today, for example, Okada riders from other local governments outnumber those from ours. However, I tell you, that is not the way to go. Many of them need support. That is why we have plans focused on agriculture, ICT, youth inclusiveness, and infrastructure, which will contribute to improving the standard of living. At the moment, time does not permit me to list specific initiatives, but I can assure you that, in no time, our agricultural plan will be fully implemented, as the management is currently working on it.

What I mean is that we have—just as we did in the last transitional dispensation—a record of initiatives. During the last transition, we organised a medical outreach, providing free healthcare for all our people to help ease hardship in the community. Now, we are introducing what we call a subsidised market, which we intend to hold monthly in Akure South Local Government.

This initiative is being structured and will commence soon. It will be a monthly event, and I will do everything possible to sustain it. Citizens will be able to buy food items—possibly enough to last a month—at significantly reduced prices, at least to alleviate the present hardship.

As much as we have long-term plans, this is an immediate solution. Additionally, the issue of rent in Akure is one of our top concerns. People have been complaining about high rent costs, stating that securing a three-bedroom flat now requires a total package of about N800,000. We will soon hold meetings with estate agents to negotiate better terms in the interest of our people. Commodity prices will soon drop because investors are coming, and competition will set in.

What do you think is the role of local government in implementing national policies on healthcare and education?

The federal and state governments are actively involved in these areas, but at the local government level in Akure, we have primary healthcare centres. If I understand your question correctly, to truly sustain or complement the efforts of the federal and state governments, we need to provide additional support to these healthcare centres to meet the needs of our people.

Since we are the closest tier of government to the people, it is our responsibility to ensure that local health institutions are upgraded and improved. In no time, our health infrastructure at the local government level will be enhanced to complement what is being done at the state and federal levels.