Sanwo-Olu’s LG Reform Under Fire: Ikosi-Isheri Exception Sparks APC Controversy

Kehinde Adeleye

In a major shake-up of local governance, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has signed the Local Government Administration Law 2025 into effect.

The new law redefines term limits, succession procedures, and disqualification criteria for Chairmen and Vice Chairmen across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

Under Section 28(4), any Vice Chairman who assumes the role of Chairman—due to death, resignation, or defection—will be considered to have served a full term, regardless of the duration. This provision is already reshaping local political dynamics.

The law was enforced in Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA, where a former Vice Chairman was barred from re-election after stepping into the Chairman’s role. However, its inconsistent application has raised concerns within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, the APC candidate followed a similar path—serving as Vice Chairman, assuming office after the Chairman’s death, and completing a full term. Despite effectively serving two terms, she has been cleared to run again and was officially unveiled at the party’s campaign launch at the Lagos APC Secretariat.

This perceived inconsistency has sparked criticism from legal experts, political observers, and party members, who accuse the APC of applying the law selectively to favor certain candidates.

“If the law disqualifies someone in Agbado-Oke Odo for serving what is deemed a full term, then the same should apply in Ikosi-Isheri. Otherwise, the law is being politicized,” a legal analyst told Lagos Reporters.

As the July 2025 local government elections approach, stakeholders are urging the Lagos APC and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs to enforce the Local Government Administration Law 2025 consistently and fairly across all councils.