A Professor of Private and Property Law at the University of Lagos, Prof. Oludayo Amokaye (SAN), has called for an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to strengthen local government autonomy.
He called on lawmakers to remove ambiguities regarding the status, creation, funding, and duties of local governments to align with recent Supreme Court decisions on Council autonomy. This, he stressed, would strengthen local governments as a competent and effective third tier of government, benefiting all Nigerians.
Prof. Amokaye made this call in Lagos at the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors (NIS) Lagos State Branch’s 20th annual Adekunle Kukoyi Memorial Lecture, with the theme “Usurpation of Power and Functions: A Case Study of Local Government Administration and Autonomy.”
Highlighting the need for a more autonomous local government system, Amokaye stressed the importance of decentralising power to ensure that governance and essential services are closer to the people.
He also advocated for an independent State Electoral Commission, free from political manipulation by state governments, and the prosecution of corrupt local government officials.
“Local governments are engines for development, providing basic services and enabling public participation in governance. They bring government closer to the people and ensure equitable power distribution within Nigeria’s federation,” he stated.
Amokaye also criticised the 1999 Constitution for failing to protect local governments from state interference.
He noted that while Section 7(1) guarantees a democratically elected local government system, other provisions, such as Sections 124(3,4) and 162(5), undermine their financial and operational independence by placing significant control in the hands of state governors.
“The Constitution grants state governments discretionary power over the existence and funding of local governments. This has resulted in the usurpation of local government powers and the diversion of their funds,” he argued.
Speaking, Permanent Secretary and Surveyor-General of Lagos State, Ayokunnu Adesina, lauded the lecture series for addressing national issues beyond surveying, fostering broader understanding, and contributing to development.
“The theme of this lecture extends into political, social, and economic realms, highlighting the continued relevance of professional institutions like NIS in shaping national discourse,” Adesina said.
President, NIS, Dr. Matthew Olomolatan Ibitoye, represented by Deputy President Pius Eze Chukwuma, urged members to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
Similarly, NIS Lagos State Chairman, Olukolade Kasim, lauded Adekunle Kukoyi’s dedication to the surveying profession and public service, noting his indelible contributions to national development.
The event also witnessed the presentation of prizes to winners of the late Kukoyi’s essay competition across various categories.
