Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Okanlomo Oodua and Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, has urged Governor Seyi Makinde and other political leaders in Oyo State to respect the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, stressing the need for constitutional compliance, accountability and grassroots development.

Sanusi made the call while reacting to the ongoing public disagreement between Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi and Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli over local government autonomy.

Adekanmbi had reportedly challenged Alli to explain his legislative contributions towards achieving autonomy for local government councils, a development that has generated debate over the responsibilities of political leaders in strengthening grassroots administration.

In a statement, Sanusi described local government autonomy as a constitutional responsibility rather than a political weapon, urging political actors to focus on the welfare of the people instead of allowing partisan disagreements to overshadow the issue.

He maintained that local government autonomy should not be regarded as the achievement or exclusive interest of any political party, noting that it remains a critical issue affecting governance and development across Nigeria.

Sanusi specifically referred to the Supreme Court judgment delivered on July 11, 2024, which addressed the financial autonomy of local government councils and the payment of their allocations.

He said the judgment established important constitutional obligations that governments and relevant institutions must respect, adding that further legislative reforms should not become a reason to delay compliance with existing constitutional provisions and binding judicial decisions.

According to him, the importance of the ruling lies in its potential to strengthen local government administration and improve service delivery at the grassroots.

Sanusi noted that local councils play a crucial role in providing essential services, including primary healthcare, rural roads, basic education and other amenities needed by residents.

He lamented that when local governments lack effective access to resources or public funds are poorly managed, ordinary citizens, particularly those in rural communities, suffer the consequences.

“The purpose of local government autonomy is not to empower another class of political officeholders. It is to bring accountable governance closer to the people,” he said.

The traditional titleholder appealed to Governor Makinde, Senator Alli, Adekanmbi, members of the Oyo State House of Assembly and relevant federal authorities to approach the controversy with political maturity and a commitment to the rule of law.

He also called on civil society organisations, professional associations, traditional institutions and the media to demand accountability from public officials and ensure that discussions about local government autonomy are guided by verifiable facts.

Sanusi stressed that political disagreements should provide opportunities for constructive engagement, stronger institutions and better policies rather than deepen divisions among political actors.

He further maintained that local government chairmen and councillors must be accountable to the people, while governors, legislators and federal institutions should discharge their respective responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution and applicable court decisions.

Sanusi warned that the people of Oyo State deserved a system in which local government administration prioritises public welfare and delivers tangible development to communities.

“Local government autonomy must never become a weapon for political convenience. It must become a living reality for the people of Nigeria,” he said.

He added that history would ultimately judge political leaders by their commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, protecting public resources and improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

Sanusi concluded by calling for wisdom, humility and courage among political leaders, expressing hope that justice, accountability and sustainable grassroots development would prevail in Oyo State and across the country.