Oyebanji Warns Ekiti LG Chairmen Against Misusing Financial Autonomy

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has cautioned local government chairmen against financial recklessness and mismanagement that could undermine the financial autonomy recently granted to councils.

Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of projects initiated by the Chairman of Ero Local Council Development Area, Felicia Ibiloye, Oyebanji said the purpose of financial independence at the grassroots was to drive meaningful development and deliver people-oriented projects.

He stressed that the July 11, 2024 Supreme Court judgment, which granted financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local councils, must not be abused. According to him, funds allocated to councils should be channelled into critical projects in road infrastructure, healthcare, schools, markets, and agriculture, rather than wasted on frivolities.

Represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, the governor said the autonomy policy had already empowered councils in Ekiti to execute life-changing projects. He urged council bosses to be prudent, accountable, and focused on delivering democracy dividends.

At the event, several projects were commissioned, including the new Ero LCDA Secretariat Complex, the launch of the Ero LCDA chapter of Adire Ekiti Fabric, and the BAO Aged Foundation programme, which distributed food and clothing to vulnerable elderly residents.

Oyebanji also used the occasion to seek public support for his second term ambition, urging eligible residents to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

On her part, Ibiloye attributed her administration’s achievements to the financial freedom enjoyed under the Oyebanji-led government, highlighting rural development projects such as erosion control, solar power installation, culvert construction, and an okada park. She pledged to complete all ongoing initiatives before the end of her tenure.