Ogun State governorship hopeful under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Jelili Kayode Amusan, has vowed to implement 100 percent local government autonomy if elected in 2027, describing it as the foundation for true grassroots development.
The former lawmaker made the pledge during a recent informal ward-to-ward consultation tour where he engaged community leaders, party stakeholders, and residents across several local government areas in the state.
Amusan, who previously served for two terms in the House of Representatives, congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation for ensuring that councils are granted autonomy through legal means in a landmark Supreme Court judgment.
“The highest court in the land has since spoken, and we must all abide by it. It is now the law, and as governor, I will obey the judgment to the letter. Even without the judgment, I would have still granted autonomy, because it is in our best interest,” Amusan declared.
He emphasised that full autonomy for councils is “sacrosanct” and will strengthen governance at the grassroots.
“When councils have financial and administrative freedom, they can deliver better on healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and security.
“Most of the socio-economic challenges we have today is due to absence of good governance at the local levels. Issues of crime and food insecurity can best be handled if local governments enjoy full autonomy. As governor, I will implement this to the letter,” Amusan said.
He assured that, if elected, he would treat local government officials as true partners in governance to accelerate modernisation and community growth. “Our councils are the anchors of progress. Empowering them is the surest path to inclusive growth,” he added.