On 5 December 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a landmark judgment that once again underscored the autonomy of local government councils as a distinct tier of government. In a case brought by the Attorney General of Osun State on behalf of 30 local government councils against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Court held that the Attorney General of Osun State lacked the authority to sue on behalf of the councils. The ruling emphasized that local governments are autonomous constitutional entities and must initiate legal actions themselves.
The Court clarified that its original jurisdiction applies only to disputes between State Governments and the Federal Government, not between local councils and the Federation. This decision reinforces the constitutional independence of local governments and sends a strong message against attempts to manipulate legal processes for partisan ends.
By affirming the autonomy of local governments, the Supreme Court has strengthened grassroots governance. State Governments must now respect the constitutional boundaries and allow councils to function as hubs of development, as envisioned in the 1999 Constitution, particularly the Fourth Schedule which outlines their responsibilities.
LGA
The implications are profound: any State Government that interferes with local government revenue allocations under the guise of State Assembly laws risks violating the Constitution and exposing itself to charges of economic and financial crimes. Likewise, local government chairmen who collude with State Governments to surrender their allocations may face criminal liability for conspiracy.
Conclusion:
This judgment is a decisive step toward restoring constitutional order and empowering local governments to fulfill their developmental mandate. It is a reminder that autonomy is not a privilege granted by State Governments but a constitutional guarantee that must be respected.
@ Okoi Obono-Obla