By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Gbadegoke Adekoya, the Majority Leader of the legislative arm of Ikosi Isheri LCDA, has shed light on the legal standing of Kosofe Local Government compared to the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) within the Lagos State jurisdiction.
During a recent discussion on whether the incumbent Ikosi Isheri LCDA chairman, Samiat Bada, is eligible to run for office again, Gbadegoke addressed the distinction between the suability of Kosofe Local Government and the non-suability of the LCDAs.
According to Gbadegoke, while the federal constitution specifies a two-term limit for executive positions in recognized local governments, this provision does not extend to LCDAs. He emphasized that LCDAs are not recognized by the federal government, and their legitimacy is conferred by administrative law within Lagos State.
In response to suggestions of pursuing legal avenues for clarity on the matter, Gbadegoke acknowledged the potential benefits of seeking legal clarification but highlighted the complexities involved. He noted that while Lagos State established LCDAs, only Kosofe Local Government is directly answerable to the federal government, as it receives federal allocations on behalf of all three councils.
Gbadegoke emphasized the unique legal status of Ikosi Isheri LCDA, stating that it is not recognized by the Nigerian Constitution but is governed by administrative laws within Lagos State.