In a move aimed at deepening accountability and enhancing effective grassroots governance, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has suspended all political appointments in local government councils for a 60-day period, except for the position of Chief of Staff.
EpeInsights reports that the directive applies to all newly sworn-in chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.
The suspension was conveyed through an official circular dated July 31, 2025, and signed by Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.
The circular instructed that any political appointments already made beyond the Chief of Staff must be reversed immediately.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, during the swearing-in ceremony of the new local council executives, emphasized the need for the incoming chairmen to first familiarize themselves with the unique challenges within their communities before assembling their political teams.
“We are going to give you time to settle in, to understand the rudiments of the work, to go around all your communities, hit the ground with an understanding of what people truly, really want,” the governor said.
He added that the delay in making further appointments is designed to promote informed decision-making and responsive leadership at the grassroots level.
Sanwo-Olu also issued a strong reminder to the newly elected chairmen about the ethical expectations of public office, warning against any sense of entitlement or misuse of their positions.
“Leadership is not about what you gain from the office but about the impact you make on the lives of the people. You are the closest to the grassroots; don’t waste that opportunity,” he urged.
The 60-day pause on political appointments is expected to conclude with clearer insights into local needs and priorities, setting the stage for the selection of qualified individuals who can effectively support development at the local level.
