Lagos assembly summons attorney-general over executive order delaying LG administration law

The Lagos house of assembly has summoned the state’s attorney-general and other senior officials over an executive order delaying the implementation of the LG administration law.

Also summoned are the solicitor-general, commissioner and permanent secretary of the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs, and the director of litigation.

Their invitation follows a letter from the solicitor-general, read on the floor of the assembly on Tuesday, informing lawmakers that the law — which was signed in May — should not take effect until August 4.

Sanni Babatunde, chairman of the committee on local government administration, describing the executive order as delicate and sensitive.

He noted that that the local government administration bill 2025 has already been assented to by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos.

“The law is put together by lawmakers and any attempts to vary it will undermine the legislative duties. The sanctity of the law should be respected,” Babatunde said.

Oladipo Ajomale, chairman of the judiciary committee, also faulted the executive order, questioning why it was being issued after the law had already come into effect.

Sa’ad Olumoh, another lawmaker, noted that no executive order can override a law that has been duly signed.

Mudashiru Obasa, the speaker of the house, said the issue presents an opportunity to test the strength of the law.

“If a law is challenged, it allows us to revisit the process to be sure we did the right thing,” Obasa said.

Meanwhile, the assembly received a letter from the Otto-Awori local council development area (LCDA), requesting the swearing-in of Abdulkareem Abiodun as the substantive chairman following the death of Musibau Ashafa, the former chairman.

Citing provisions of the local government law, the council said the vice-chairman should assume office to ensure continuity in governance.

The letter also raised concerns about a reluctance to formally swear in Abiodun and urged the assembly to investigate the situation.

Obasa directed Olalekan Onafeko, the clerk of the house, to notify the governor of the development.

The speaker also invited Abiodun, the council manager, and legal officers to appear before the house committee on local government and chieftaincy affairs.