Prof. Akin Oyebode, the Pro-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, has called for a fundamental overhaul of Nigeria’s federal system, arguing that the Federal Government should not play a role in the creation of local governments. Instead, Oyebode believes the power to establish local governments should rest solely with state governments.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Oyebode described Nigeria’s federal structure as a “caricature of federalism” and stressed that local governments, which are supposed to be closest to the people, have been undermined.
He pointed out that the lack of autonomy at the local government level is detrimental to good governance.
“I have a very low estimation of the survival and relevance of the local governments in the scheme of things. The configuration of the local governments in Nigeria has been unhealthy, almost indefensible,” Oyebode said.
He suggested a two-tier federal system, similar to other countries, where only the federal government and state governments exist, allowing states to create local governments as they see fit. “Nigeria has to revisit the constitution… leave creation of local governments to the state governments,” he added.
Oyebode also highlighted the imbalance in the creation of local governments, particularly in the northern part of the country. He pointed to the disparity between Lagos State, which has only 20 local governments, and states like Kano, with many more.
“What was done in 1976 to create so many local governments in the northern part of Nigeria at the expense of the local government setup in the South is really unconscionable,” he stated.
His comments come at a time when local governance in Nigeria is under scrutiny, with many questioning the effectiveness and autonomy of local governments in serving the people.