OGUN STATE 2024 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION: TIME TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION


Local Government is defined as a system of local administration under which local communities and towns which are organized to maintain law and order, provide some limited range of social services and public amenities and encourage the co-operation and participation of the inhabitants in joint endeavour towards the improvement of their living.


The problems facing the local government in Nigeria are enormous. Administratively, officials of the local government have not shown quality in managing 

resources of the local government. There have always been serious cases of mismanagement and corruption and these have threatened the viability and effectiveness 

of the local government.


Socially, the local government has become a 

dumping ground for low quality staff with a very poor attitude to work. The career and political staff are lagging in their duties. Low quality councilors do not cope with law making functions and do not acquit themselves before the public. Economically, most of the Ogun State the local government’s economic base is largely poor, agrarian and is dominated by a subsistence economy. Local government generates some revenue on agricultural products from markets but this is a far cry from their internal revenue needs.


However, as the local government election is gathering momentum, there is an urgent need for the stakeholders; elites, professionals, politicians, artisans, political party faithfuls and indigene (residents) within the state to make sure that only candidates with better understanding of local government administration, visionary and capable candidates emerge as councilors and chairmen across the political parties. This is not the time to select or elect "The Ewolefagbas" who sees their emergence into power as a favour or compensation. Local Government Leadership shouldn't be for those who don't have aspirations rather for vibrant, intelligent and energetic individuals who must be committed to solve the enormous challenges facing Local Government Administration.


Aside from the pull factor, the local government autonomy which is motivating 'every Tom, Dick and Harry', the level of decay and peril in most of our local governments demands that all hands must be on deck to make a timely intervention. Most importantly, the coming local government election in the state will give direction towards 2027 general elections and set the state on the pedestal of success or failure. The decision to be taken regarding this coming election will have serious implications on the people of the gateway state and across the federation. 


Therefore, this is a wake up call on the political party leadership and the electoral body of the state to ensure that the process of candidates selection is thorough, fair and credible. The process must reflect the position and voice of the masses. Anything short of this will have adverse effects on everyone. I sincerely hope that our political players and juggernauts get this right, this time.


Olusola Ojekunle 

olusolaojekunle@gmail.com 

Ibese ward, Yewa North. 

Ogun State 

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