The time has come to take real governance and the dividends of democracy to the grassroots. For too long, the debate over local government autonomy has been reduced to politics – who supports it, who opposes it, and who benefits from the status quo. That conversation must now give way to a more important one: how local government councils can effectively perform their constitutional responsibilities for the benefit of the people.

The next Governor of Oyo State must make local government autonomy a central pillar of governance. Administrative and financial autonomy are not optional; they are essential if local governments are to function as genuine centres of development rather than mere extensions of the state government.

The first bold step should be the abolition of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. The existence of such a ministry has, over the years, created an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy and control over local councils. Local governments should be supervised within the framework provided by the Constitution, not managed as departments of the state government.

Chieftaincy matters, in particular, are better handled at the local government level. Traditional rulers are closer to their local councils than to the state bureaucracy, and local governments are responsible for paying the salaries and allowances of traditional rulers within their respective jurisdictions. It is therefore more practical and efficient for local councils to administer chieftaincy affairs, mediate local traditional issues, and maintain stronger institutional relationships with traditional authorities.

A truly autonomous local government system would transform rural development. Councils would be able to prioritise the construction and maintenance of rural roads, provide primary healthcare, improve public primary schools, manage markets and motor parks efficiently, strengthen environmental sanitation, expand rural water supply, and support local economic development without waiting endlessly for directives from the state capital.

Financial autonomy would also strengthen accountability. Chairmen and councillors would no longer have excuses for poor performance. Citizens would know exactly how much their councils receive and would be better positioned to demand transparency in budgeting and project execution. Democracy is strongest when government is closest to the people.

The Supreme Court has reaffirmed the constitutional status of local governments, making it clear that they are a distinct tier of government. The challenge before political leaders is no longer whether local government autonomy should exist, but whether they have the courage and political will to implement it faithfully.

The next governor of Oyo State has a historic opportunity to redefine governance by restoring the dignity, independence, and effectiveness of local governments. Rather than concentrating power in Agodi, power should be devolved to the 33 local government councils where the needs of the people are better understood and more quickly addressed.

A government that truly believes in development must trust local governments to govern. Grassroots development cannot be achieved from the state capital alone. It begins in every ward, every town, and every local government area. That is why the next Governor of Oyo State must place local government autonomy at the heart of governance. It is not merely a constitutional obligation; it is the surest path to inclusive development, stronger democratic institutions, and a better quality of life for the people.