Residents in Lagos State have expressed concerns over what they described as inconsistent application of the Local Government Administration Law 2025.
The law, signed into effect by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aimed to govern the tenure, succession, and disqualification of local government chairmen and vice chairmen.
However, its implementation has been marred by controversy, with some residents accusing the authorities of selective enforcement.
In Agbado-Oke Odo Local Council Development Area, a former vice chairman who completed a chairman’s tenure was disqualified from contesting again, citing Section 28(4) of the law.
In contrast, the APC candidate and flag bearer in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, who served as vice chairman and later completed a full four-year tenure as chairman, has been cleared to contest again. This disparity has sparked outrage among residents, who argue that the law should be applied uniformly.
Speaking on Thursday, a concerned resident, Mafowokan Ishola, expressed dismay over the selective implementation, saying, “It’s quite disturbing that a law duly signed by the Governor of Lagos State is being selectively implemented across local government areas.”
He questioned why the same standard wasn’t being applied in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, adding that the law shouldn’t be interpreted based on political convenience.
Similarly, political analyst and governance advocate Mojisola Kareem emphasised the need for consistency and fairness in enforcing the law.
“We cannot build a credible democratic process when the same legal document is enforced in one council and ignored in another,” she stated.
Kareem warned that the inconsistency raises serious questions about internal democracy, legal integrity, and the rule of law.
