LG Autonomy: Adekanmbi Challenges Alli Over Three Years In Senate
The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, has challenged his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Senator Sarafa Alli, to show what he has done in the Senate to advance local government autonomy.
Adekanmbi, who spoke on Fresh FM Ibadan’s Political Circuit programme, accused Alli of failing to sponsor any bill aimed at strengthening local government autonomy during his more than three years representing Oyo South Senatorial District.
He alleged that Alli was using the issue to attract votes ahead of the 2027 governorship election without presenting a clear plan for achieving it.
“My egbon that is saying he is the champion of local government autonomy has been in the Senate for over three years; he has no single bill to that effect,” Adekanmbi said.
He also challenged Alli to explain his record as former chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, alleging that the council struggled to pay workers’ salaries and pensions during his tenure.
Adekanmbi argued that local government autonomy required more than campaign promises, noting that legal reforms and clear accountability mechanisms were necessary to make it work.
He said the 2024 Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy required constitutional and administrative measures for effective implementation, adding that state governors could not independently grant such autonomy.
The APM candidate said any workable framework must address the payment of salaries and pensions, financial transparency, accountability by council chairmen and the possibility of federal allocations becoming irregular or unavailable.
He also questioned how local councils could be prevented from mismanaging funds if they were granted greater financial independence.
Adekanmbi said that, if elected governor, he would ensure that residents had a say in how local government funds were spent.
“I will ensure that the local people have a say in the spending of their money,” he said.
He maintained that candidates seeking the governorship should explain how they intended to address the practical challenges of local government administration rather than promise autonomy without outlining how it would be achieved.
Senator Alli’s response to Adekanmbi’s allegations was not included in the remarks provided.
Follow us for more news updates…
Author
