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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed all newly inaugurated chairmen of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to halt the appointment of political officeholders for 60 days following their assumption of office.
Sanwo-Olu stated that with the exception of the Chief of Staff, all other appointments should be postponed during this period to give the chairmen a chance to grasp the challenges facing each sector within their constituencies.
Reports indicate that those chairmen who had already made political appointments aside from the Chief of Staff are now retracting these appointments to avoid penalties from the governor.
An official memorandum dated July 31, 2025, referencing number MLG/LGA/C.27/S./VOL.XIV/496, was issued by Kikelomo Bolarinwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, communicating the directive as per the governor’s instructions during the recent swearing-in ceremony.
The statement mentioned, "I write to refer to the governor's directive concerning the appointment of Political Office Holders in the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, especially Supervisors, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants.
I should emphasize that the Chief of Staff is the only permissible appointment as you take office, while all other appointments should be paused until further notice.
Please take note of this and retract any appointment made except for the Chief of Staff," Bolarinwa added.
Earlier, during the inauguration, Sanwo-Olu indicated that this action is part of the government's larger dedication to transparency, accountability, and results-oriented governance at the grassroots.
The purpose of this directive is to ensure that chairmen acclimate to their roles and initiate effective governance promptly.
Sanwo-Olu pointed out that there is no immediate obligation for the newly elected chairmen to appoint supervisors or special advisers, clarifying that the directive is a deliberate measure rather than a mere formality.
He underscored the necessity for them to engage directly with their communities, analyze the local landscape, and recognize the genuine needs and expectations of the populace.
He stressed that effective leadership should be based on an authentic understanding of grassroots issues.
"We will allow you time to adapt, to learn the fundamentals of your job, and to explore your communities, gathering insights on what people truly desire.
Ensure you collect sufficient information regarding the actual expectations of your constituents. We will provide you with 30 to 60 days before discussions on supervisors or SLG will arise," he stated.
While addressing the audience, Sanwo-Olu cautioned the newly elected chairmen against exploiting public office for personal gain.
He highlighted that true leadership is gauged by its impact on the citizenry, not by any benefits it confers to the officeholder.
He urged the chairmen to prioritize grassroots development, emphasizing their role as the nearest tier of government to the people.
