Senator AbdulFatai Buhari, representing Oyo North, on Sunday says that local government autonomy is key to grassroots development in the country.
Buhari made the call while delivering the anniversary lecture titled “Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria: The Impact, Prospects, and Challenges” at the 3rd anniversary grand finale and award day of Ibadan Mega Voice (IMV), an affiliate of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). The event held at the NUJ Hall, BCOS premises, Orita Basorun, Ibadan.
The senator said autonomy remains “a vital but highly contested pillar of Nigeria’s federal system,” noting that although the Constitution recognises local governments as the third tier, “their actual empowerment has been eroded by legal ambiguity, financial dependence and political interference.”
Buhari criticised the State Joint Local Government Account, describing it as the biggest obstacle to grassroots development.
“The constitutional recognition of local government has not translated into constitutional empowerment.
“Local governments exist, but their actual autonomy is undermined by state control over finances and personnel,” he said.
IMV President, Olomide, delivering his welcome address
The lawmaker explained that autonomy is essential for effective service delivery, improved citizen participation, fiscal innovation and functional federalism.
“Local governments are closest to the people. They understand local needs better. When councils have decision-making freedom, they respond faster to emergencies and deliver projects more efficiently,” he said.
Citing studies in Kaduna, Gombe and Abuja Municipal Area Council, Buhari said councils with greater freedom recorded better infrastructure maintenance, higher revenue and faster project execution.
He warned that lack of autonomy has led to stagnation in several states.
“No local government in Oyo State has completed and commissioned a five-kilometre inner road since 2019. This is what happens when political interference suffocates grassroots development,” he declared.
The lawmaker, however, expressed optimism about ongoing reform efforts, pointing to recent Supreme Court positions, the 2024 Local Government Reform Bill, advances in e-governance and rising civic demand for accountability.
“The prospects are promising, but autonomy will only become meaningful when councils can receive funds directly, conduct free elections, mobilise internal revenue and engage citizens transparently,” the senator noted.
He listed constitutional review, INEC-conducted council elections, fiscal reform, digital revenue collection, capacity building and stronger anti-corruption systems as necessary steps.
“If Nigeria must achieve inclusive governance, empowering local governments is non-negotiable,” Buhari added.
IMV President with Hon. Akin Alabi
Earlier in his welcome address, IMV President, Aare Kola Olomide, said the group had recorded remarkable progress in three years.
“IMV started as a small platform, but today it has grown into a strong voice for Ibadan indigenes, promoting culture, community development and civic awareness,” he said.
Olomide thanked members and partners for their support, adding that IMV would continue to advocate for good governance, invest in youth empowerment and community development.
In his goodwill message, the royal father of the day and Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, praised IMV for promoting unity and community development.
“What IMV is doing is commendable. Ibadan needs organisations that bring people together and encourage service to the community,” he said.
Hon. Akin Alabi, member of the House of Representatives representing Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency , also lauded the group, saying: “IMV has shown consistency and purpose. I salute the commitment of its leadership.”
Similarly, Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, described IMV as “a growing force in civic advocacy.”
“Any platform that encourages community participation and public enlightenment deserves our support,” he added.
Dr (Mrs) Adebukola Kadiri, CEO, Eternal Home Cemetry
The event also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished leaders, including Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation; Chief Ashagidigbi Olatunde Bello, Governor, Agbekoya Farmers Society of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter; Oloye Abiola Iyiola, Aare Onibon Olubadan Designate; Dr (Mrs) Adebukola Kadiri, CEO, Eternal Home Cemetry; Comrade Ayo Adeogun, President, NULGE Oyo State Chapter; Hon. Akin Alabi, Member, House of Representatives(Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency); Prince (Dr) Azeez Adeduntan Consultant Cardiovascular Surgeon and Osi Basorun of Ibadanland; Bishop Solomon Olusegun Aremu, General Overseer, Christ the Light Gospel Church; Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Asiwaju of Ido; Hon. Daud Olalere (D Al-Ameen), Member, Oyo State House of Assembly (Ibadan North West); Mogaji Lukman Adumadehin, Mogaji Adumadehin Compound; and Chief Sulaiman Oduleye Odugunna (Oko Oso/Oko Aje), Baale Agbowo, Ibadan.
The anniversary drew traditional leaders, government officials, and professionals from within and outside Ibadan, including the Oyo NUJ Chairman, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, and NUJ chairmanship aspirant, Comrade Adebayo Raji, among others.
IMV is a distinguished group of professional media practitioners, including musicians and entertainers of Ibadan origin.
