By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The newly signed Local Government Administration Law of 2025 has ignited fierce legal and political debate across Lagos State, following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s issuance of Commencement Order No. 6 of 2025, which sets August 4, 2025, as the law’s effective date.
The law, signed on May 7, introduces major reforms to local government administration, particularly regarding the tenure limits and succession protocols for Chairmen and Vice Chairmen across the state’s 57 LGAs and LCDAs. However, the Governor’s decision to delay its enforcement until August has triggered sharp criticism from stakeholders, legal experts, and party loyalists—many of whom accuse the executive of attempting to manipulate electoral timelines and shield certain candidates from disqualification.
Falana: Law Took Effect on May 7
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has insisted that the law became operational immediately upon the Governor’s assent, since it contains no clause stipulating a future commencement date.
“A law without a commencement clause takes effect from the date it is signed,” Falana said, asserting that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commencement order is legally ineffective.
Divided APC Ranks and Clashing Legal Views
Within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the development has split opinion. While some party faithful and legal practitioners support the Governor’s move, others argue that it amounts to constitutional overreach.
Adewale Adenuga, a political analyst, defended the Governor’s action, citing Sections 58(4) and 100(4) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empower the executive to determine a law’s start date in the absence of a specific provision.
“If the law does not state when it should commence, then the Governor is legally permitted to issue a commencement order,” Adenuga said, referencing Supreme Court precedents like AGF v. Abubakar (2007).
But others strongly disagree.
Ola’ Obasan, a legal analyst, dismissed the order as politically motivated.
“This is less about governance and more about shielding political allies. If a law was signed without a commencement clause, it is automatically effective,” he argued.
“A commencement order issued post-assent is, at best, legally dubious.”
APC chieftain, Oloye Seun Salami, was more direct in his criticism, accusing the Governor of undermining the law to protect embattled officeholders like Princess Samiat Bada, whose third-term bid in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA is facing legal scrutiny.
“You can’t change the goalpost in the middle of the game,” he said.
“The law applies immediately. Any delay in enforcement is unconstitutional.”
Salami referenced the ongoing leadership vacuum in Oto-Awori LCDA, where the Vice Chairman reportedly declined to step in after the Chairman’s death—allegedly due to fears the new law could render him ineligible to contest again.
Adenuga Fires Back
In a rebuttal, Adenuga challenged critics to show any clause in the law that mandates immediate enforcement.
“Unless the law states otherwise, the Governor’s discretion is valid. This is a legal issue—not an emotional one,” he said.
But Obasan countered, noting that transparency should have guided the process.
“If there was any plan to delay implementation, it should have been announced at the point of assent—just as President Tinubu did with the 2024 Tax Law.”
Implications for Elections and Governance
The dispute over the commencement date could have far-reaching consequences, potentially affecting the validity of APC primaries, candidate eligibility, and even judicial interventions in post-election disputes.
With the July 12 local government elections fast approaching, the controversy over the law’s commencement may ultimately be settled in constitutional courts—or left to the court of public opinion.
KosofePost will continue to monitor and report developments on this unfolding legal and political saga.