Sanwo-Olu swears in 57 council heads, warns against misuse of LG funds

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has sworn in the newly elected chairmen and vice-chairmen across the 20 LGAs and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) of the state.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Sunday at Lagos House in Ikeja.

The officials were elected during the local government elections held on July 12, 2025.

Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said the newly elected council officials must prioritise service delivery and grassroots development.

He said local governments now have full autonomy and direct access to their funds, which means they must take full responsibility for results.

“Leadership is about service. Our people have placed their trust and their dreams in your hands,” he said.

“They want safer streets, better roads, functional health centres, thriving schools, clean markets, and real opportunities for our youth.

“Lagos is counting on you to bring real development to every street, every ward, and every community.

“We will support you, but we will also hold you to the highest standards. No excuses. Lagos deserves nothing less.”

Also speaking, Bolaji Robert, commissioner for local government, chieftaincy affairs and rural development, congratulated the elected LG heads.

He said their victories reflect the confidence the people have in their grassroots leadership and the credibility of the electoral process.

“Your victories at the polls are a testament to your grassroots appeal and the confidence the people have reposed in you,” he said.

“The credibility of your emergence, anchored on transparency and broad-based support, is what has culminated in the swearing-in exercise we are gathered here to witness today.”

Robert commended Sanwo-Olu for “entrenching democratic values” at the local level, noting that the peaceful and credible nature of the polls was a product of his leadership.

He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu, describing him as “the father of modern democracy in Nigeria”.

“We recognise and commend the father of modern democracy in Nigeria, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for laying the visionary foundation that continues to guide the growth of democratic institutions in our dear state and nation,” he said.

Robert then formally presented the 57 elected chairmen and vice-chairmen to the governor for the swearing-in, in line with the constitution and the laws of Lagos state.