Group Protests at Lagos Assembly Over Delay in LG Law Implementation

 


Lagos, July 8, 2025 — The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, demanding the immediate implementation of the Lagos State Local Government Administrative Law signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on May 7, 2025.


During the demonstration, CHSR submitted a petition to the Speaker of the Assembly, dated July 7, 2025, and signed by its President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse. The group expressed strong opposition to the postponement of the law’s enforcement until August 4, 2025 — a date falling after the scheduled local government elections set for July 12.


While acknowledging the executive arm for passing the landmark legislation aimed at reforming local governance, CHSR described the delay in its implementation as unconstitutional and politically motivated.


“This calculated delay is not only unjustifiable, but also undermines the spirit and letter of the Constitution, as well as the democratic values Lagos State claims to uphold,” the group stated in the petition.


CHSR argued that under Nigerian law, an act becomes effective once it receives gubernatorial assent, unless otherwise specified. Since the Local Government Administrative Law contains no clause deferring its commencement, the group contends that any delay amounts to executive overreach.


The organisation further alleged that the decision to postpone the law's implementation was a move to safeguard political interests in certain Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), particularly Oto-Awori and Ikosi-Isheri, which would be directly impacted by immediate enforcement.


“Delaying the law’s effect casts a shadow over the July 12 elections, introduces legal uncertainty, and may lead to post-election litigations and political instability,” the petition noted. “It also threatens public trust in governance and undermines the integrity of the democratic process.”


CHSR called on the Assembly to affirm the law’s effective date as May 7, 2025, and push for its immediate enforcement. They urged lawmakers to resist any executive maneuver that compromises legislative authority or disenfranchises citizens.


“If the Governor insists on deferring the law’s implementation, then the local government elections should be postponed to August 30, 2025, to ensure compliance,” the group added. “Upon expiration of the current chairmen’s tenure, caretaker committees should be constituted to manage council affairs pending the elections.”


Reaffirming its commitment to constitutional governance and democratic accountability, CHSR warned that it would escalate the matter to national and international platforms if corrective measures are not taken swiftly.


Receiving the protesters, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency I, acknowledged receipt of the petition on behalf of the House.


“The House has received your memorandum and will examine the issues raised,” he said, assuring the group that due legislative attention would be given to the matter. He also appealed for continued peaceful engagement.

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