₦airaland Forum

By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." — Martin Luther King Jr.

For over two decades, Lagos State has been unjustly denied the recognition of 37 additional local governments, which were legally created under the Nigerian Constitution. This is not a political maneuver—it is a legitimate demand for fairness, equity, and justice. The continuous refusal of the Federal Government and the National Assembly to rectify this anomaly is a clear case of injustice, and as the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied.

THE CREATION OF 37 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT DENIED

In 2003, then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in strict adherence to constitutional provisions, initiated the process of creating new local governments in Lagos. A referendum was conducted, all necessary legal procedures were followed, and the Lagos State House of Assembly passed the law establishing these local governments in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.

This legal process was supervised by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, the then-Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, who later became Nigeria's Vice President. These local governments were not created arbitrarily; they were established to bring governance closer to the people, ensure equitable development, and address administrative and infrastructural challenges in a state with an exploding population of over 20 million people.

However, despite Lagos following due process, the National Assembly failed to complete its constitutional duty of amending the Constitution to formally recognize these local governments. Instead of supporting Lagos in this democratic exercise, the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo unlawfully withheld federal allocations meant for the existing local governments, crippling development efforts and punishing millions of Lagosians.

Even when the Supreme Court ruled in Lagos' favor, declaring the withholding of funds unconstitutional, the Obasanjo administration blatantly ignored the ruling, further deepening the injustice against Lagos.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF FEDERAL INJUSTICE AGAINST LAGOS

1. WITHHOLDING OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ALLOCATIONS
In 2004, President Obasanjo unilaterally withheld local government allocations to Lagos State, citing the state's creation of new local councils as unconstitutional. This action deprived Lagos of crucial funds needed for development.

2. FRUSTRATION OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
The Obasanjo administration was notorious for obstructing Lagos' initiatives aimed at urban development, transportation, and infrastructure.

3. BLOCKING THE RIGHT OF WAY FOR LAGOS’ BRT PROJECT
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, designed to ease transportation congestion, was actively obstructed by the Federal Government under Obasanjo. Despite the state government's efforts to develop an efficient mass transit system, the administration refused to grant Lagos State the right of way on federal roads within Lagos.

4. THE LAGOS INDEPENDENT POWER PROJECT AND ENRON SABOTAGE
Lagos, being Nigeria's economic hub, sought energy independence to ensure stable electricity for its industries and residents. However, the Federal Government, through the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), blocked Lagos from operating its own power grid, frustrating industrial growth and economic development.

LAGOS: THE ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE OF NIGERIA

Lagos is not just a Nigerian state—it is a global city with unique economic, commercial, and strategic significance. It is Nigeria’s primary gateway to the international market, yet it is treated unfairly in federal allocations.

DISPARITY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ALLOCATIONS: THE LAGOS-KANO-JIGAWA PARADOX

Kano State, with a lower population, has 44 local governments.

Jigawa, which was created out of Kano, has 27 local governments.

Katsina has 34 local governments, even though its population is far lower than Lagos.

This imbalance is an insult to the principle of fairness. Local governments should not be created based on landmass but on population and administrative responsibilities.

LANDMARK SUPREME COURT CASES WON BY LAGOS AGAINST THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

1. CONTROL OVER PHYSICAL PLANNING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation (2003)

Lagos State won its right to control urban planning without federal interference.

2. ALLOCATION OF REVENUE FROM NATURAL RESOURCES
Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Ors (2002)

Supreme Court ruled in favor of Lagos and other littoral states for revenue allocation.

3. WITHHOLDING OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ALLOCATIONS
Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation (2004)

The Supreme Court ruled that the Federal Government had no right to withhold Lagos’ funds.

10 BENEFITS OF THE NEW LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

1 Closer governance to the grassroots

2.More efficient delivery of public services

3.Increased job creation and economic opportunities

4. Improved security and law enforcement

5.Better infrastructural development

6.Enhanced healthcare and primary education services

7.More equitable allocation of resources

8.Strengthened political representation for residents

9 Increased internally generated revenue (IGR) for Lagos

10 A model for other Nigerian states to emulate for balanced governance

CURRENT RESPONSIBILITIES OF LAGOS STATE

SECURITY: Lagos State has its own security network, including the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and partnerships with federal agencies.

INFRASTRUCTURE: It has the largest number of roads, bridges, and transportation systems in Nigeria.

EDUCATION: Lagos has the highest number of primary schools and primary health centers in the country.

EMPLOYMENT: The state is the largest employer of labor in Nigeria.

TRANSPORTATION: Lagos has the largest car ownership and human population in West Africa to cater to.

A CALL FOR JUSTICE: THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST RECOGNIZE LAGOS’ 37 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Lagos has been treated unfairly for too long. The refusal to recognize its additional local governments is an injustice that must be corrected immediately.

The National Assembly must amend the Constitution to recognize Lagos' 57 local governments.

The Federal Government must release allocations meant for Lagos' local governments.

Lagosians must unite to demand their rightful share of governance, resources, and representation.

Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy and the face of Africa’s global competitiveness.

THE TIME FOR JUSTICE IS NOW.

Misplaced priorities!

Lagos needs a new governor, not LGA.

Put a competent and enlightened leader to govern affairs and you won’t need new LGA’s.

Sighs

The money laundering must continue

Lagos state is not the largest employer of labor in Nigeria, the FG is.

The so called 37 LGAs have been operating as LCDA for over 2 decades if I’m not mistaken.

They do not bring governance closer to any people. It’s all lies. Most of those LCDAs are useless with useless chairmen. It’s better they’re merged back to original LGAs as they were before Tinubu scattered them.

CoronaVirusPro:
Misplaced priorities!

Lagos needs a new governor, not LGA.

Put a competent and enlightened leader to govern affairs and you won’t need new LGA’s.

Nigerian and ignorance 5&6

Extra revenue for the city of aquatic splendour!

Probably why the Iba LCDA chairman is working tirelessly to impress citizens enough, even finally working on our street road in Cele NICA, near Iyana Isashi.

Eko o ni baje!

Triton1996:
By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare

4. THE LAGOS INDEPENDENT POWER PROJECT AND ENRON SABOTAGE
Lagos, being Nigeria's economic hub, sought energy independence to ensure stable electricity for its industries and residents. However, the Federal Government, through the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), blocked Lagos from operating its own power grid, frustrating industrial growth and economic development.

This writer is likely too young to discuss the issue.
Enron turns out to be a fraud which end up destroying thousands of lives.
We should be thanking OBJ for saving Lagos from economic disaster.

Unless the original intention was to defraud Lagos state governance in connivance
with Enron, this shameful history should be kept hush hush.

Triton1996:
By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." — Martin Luther King Jr.

It seems that some people here where not actually born during the era of OBJ in the late 90s.
Even unviable states in the North were all creating local governments. If Lagos state decides to winds back the clock, l can assure that EVERY STATE in Nigeria will go about creating all manners of local governments with the hope that the distribution of the federal allocation is based on the numbers of local governments!

'Ndi-owners of lagos' have spoken!

Tomorrow they'll be the first to open teeth and say "Raygus is smelling"

Things that will add to it's development, they'll also be the antagonists-in-chief

Sheuns:
]Lagos state is not the largest employer of labor in Nigeria, the FG is.

The so called 37 LGAs have been operating as LCDA for over 2 decades if I’m not mistaken.

They do not bring governance closer to any people. It’s all lies. Most of those LCDAs are useless with useless chairmen. It’s better they’re merged back to original LGAs as they were before Tinubu scattered them.

My dear Lagos, center of excellence.

If no be say bad belle, Lagos suppose get 50 LGA at least.

Not only 37 LGA it actually deserves a special status recognition.
Lagos is getting fit to boost!

Lagos is the smallest state in this country in terms of Land

Where do they want to fit in 37 new LGA again


Misplaced priorities

CoronaVirusPro:
Misplaced priorities!

Lagos needs a new governor, not LGA.

Put a competent and enlightened leader to govern affairs and you won’t need new LGA’s.

busy body, mention your state that as competent and enlightened leader? If you not ashamed

With all the so called competence and enlightened leadership in your hell hole, ekene Dili chukwu keep loading economic migrants from your failed region

Lagos is the envy of you clowns, your hate and bitterness will never stop it shine that’s why you will forever be at it mercy….btw proudly lagos

CoronaVirusPro:
Misplaced priorities!

Lagos needs a new governor, not LGA.

Put a competent and enlightened leader to govern affairs and you won’t need new LGA’s.

Your own opinion.

Triton1996:
By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." — Martin Luther King Jr.

The same OBJ saying shit about democracy now? No wonder Oshiomole said hes lost the moral right to talk about Democracy in Nigeria. That old hag should go relax and wait for his call

Sheuns:
Lagos state is not the largest employer of labor in Nigeria, the FG is.

The so called 37 LGAs have been operating as LCDA for over 2 decades if I’m not mistaken.

They do not bring governance closer to any people. It’s all lies. Most of those LCDAs are useless with useless chairmen. It’s better they’re merged back to original LGAs as they were before Tinubu scattered them.

Cc helinues and all rowwwnuu Apcheat minions

Ok

ANTONINEUTRON:
Lagos is the smallest state in this country in terms of Land

Where do they want to fit in 37 new LGA again


Misplaced priorities

So you believe local govt shd be created based on landmass or by population?

Creation of additional local government areas, in any part of the country, should not be contemplated for now.

CoronaVirusPro:
Misplaced priorities!

Lagos needs a new governor, not LGA.

Put a competent and enlightened leader to govern affairs and you won’t need new LGA’s.

Is the governor of Ur own state competent??

I challenge you and am serious about it 😊

Some of U think governance is easy 😂

It's ironic that many of you migrate to Lagos, yet simultaneously resist any new developments or progress in the state.

Sheuns:
Lagos state is not the largest employer of labor in Nigeria, the FG is.

The so called 37 LGAs have been operating as LCDA for over 2 decades if I’m not mistaken.

They do not bring governance closer to any people. It’s all lies. Most of those LCDAs are useless with useless chairmen. It’s better they’re merged back to original LGAs as they were before Tinubu scattered them.

Actually some LCDAs have been doing very well. The people need to get involved from the ward level to have an input/impact on what happens at the LCDA. If we don't get involved, we should stop complaining. We should also get to know our representatives at the HOA and contact them or visit their constituency offices to air our views.

The LG offices need to be closer to the people. Eti Osa for instance was in Ikoyi covering the whole of Ikoyi/Obalende, VI and Lekki. Now they have separate offices which are more easily accessible for the localities. Alimosho is even larger.

jamafa:
Is the governor of Ur own state competent??

I challenge you and am serious about it 😊

Some of U think governance is easy 😂

Hello!
Governance is easy if you have the IGR and state allocation of Lagos.

In a space of 8 years, you can build 5 world class hospitals. And upgrade the state university to world class, while still maintaining existing infrastructure adequately.

Okay! Justify over 2 trillion Naira debt in Lagos? What impact has it made so far?

It’s archaic for you to think only outsiders criticize Lagos. You will be shocked if I told you.

What has the state exceptionally done well in last 12 years considering its revenues.

Let’s stop celebrating rubbish and seek for better and more competent Governor.

Buba Marwa turned Lagos around in less than 4 years. You cannot just criticize his administration, and shouldn’t democracy give us better?

richie240:
'Ndi-owners of lagos' have spoken!

Tomorrow they'll be the first to open teeth and say "Raygus is smelling"

Things that will add to it's development, they'll also be the antagonists-in-chief

All the advantages that has been given to Lagos , what have they done with it?
You want more more for agberos n shepe right? Abeg rest

Nigeria doesn't need any more LGAs. Let us all replace the model with a municipal government where each town, city, or village is headed by a Council and a City Manager. So many unemployed youth will be able to take jobs in local government, and the municipal government can address the needs of their populace when it comes to electricity, waste management, recreation, police. The LGA system is antiquated and outdated, and most modern countries don't use this model anymore.

Sheuns:
Lagos state is not the largest employer of labor in Nigeria, the FG is.

The so called 37 LGAs have been operating as LCDA for over 2 decades if I’m not mistaken.

They do not bring governance closer to any people. It’s all lies. Most of those LCDAs are useless with useless chairmen. It’s better they’re merged back to original LGAs as they were before Tinubu scattered them.

The most sensible comment written!

delpee:
Actually some LCDAs have been doing very well. The people need to get involved from the ward level to have an input/impact on what happens at the LCDA. If we don't get involved, we should stop complaining. We should also get to know our representatives at the HOA and contact them or visit their constituency offices to air our views.

The LG offices need to be closer to the people. Eti Osa for instance was in Ikoyi covering the whole of Ikoyi/Obalende, VI and Lekki. Now they have separate offices which are more easily accessible for the localities. Alimosho is even larger.

The LCDAs have been operating for over 2 decades. The point then was it would bring governance closer to the people, the point you’re still raising 20 years after is that it’ll bring governance closer to the people.

How more should the people get involved in politics? You expect everyone to sit or loiter around politicians offices?

You campaign as a politician and were elected based on what you campaigned to do, should we still come around to keep reminding you of the promises you made? You had a manifesto right?

FG should remove all covert monopolies given to lagos and see them go back to EKITI state level including their OGUN ally.
NO lagos without these monopolies of seaport,airport,embassies when we have federal capital territory which is not lagos,,,,,,,,,nonsense