By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Recent revelations from copies of the amended Local Government Administrative (Amendment) Law 2016 in Lagos State shed light on the tenure eligibility for local government chairmen, amidst a backdrop of legal insights provided by a lawyer associated with Kosofe Post.
The law, enacted by the National Assembly, initially aimed to limit the tenure of Vice Governors and Vice Presidents succeeding their principals, yet it was clarified that this restriction does not extend to Local Government Chairmen.
The passing of late Ikosi Isheri LCDA Chairman, Engr. Abdulfatai Oyesanya, prompted the swearing-in of his vice Chairman, who had been serving their second term on a joint ticket. The newly appointed Executive Chairman inherits ongoing projects like the Babajide Sanwoolu administrative building and Shopping complex, initiated and nearing completion before Oyesanya’s demise.
Following her tenure from January 2020 to July 2021, the newly appointed Chairman, Bada, secured a mandate for a fresh term until 2025. Despite endorsements from cabinet members, councilors, and party LGA executives, her candidacy faces scrutiny from the Governor Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the party, with numerous aspirants expressing interest.
Political observers note Bada’s assertion that she served only one term by completing her principal’s tenure and therefore deserves a second term from 2025 to 2029. However, critics argue that the 18 months she completed cannot be considered a full term, especially amidst controversies like the Lagos reporters ranking placing Ikosi Isheri LCDA in 46th position out of 57 councils in Lagos State.
Citing Section 21(1)(a) of the Lagos State Administrative (Amendment) Law 16, Bada’s supporters argue for her eligibility based on her previous election as Chairman. Nonetheless, factors such as performance evaluation, character assessment, and party supremacy will ultimately shape Bada’s fate as the local government chairmanship election approaches.
