Governor Bars Local Govt Chairpersons From Appointing Advisers, Other Political Appointees
In an official circular dated July 31, 2025, with reference number MLG/LGA/C.27/S./VOL.XIV/496, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, conveyed the directive in line with the governor’s instructions during the recent swearing-in ceremony.
The Lagos State Government has ordered all newly sworn-in chairmen of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to suspend the appointment of political office holders, including Supervisors, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants.
In an official circular dated July 31, 2025, with reference number MLG/LGA/C.27/S./VOL.XIV/496, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, conveyed the directive in line with the governor’s instructions during the recent swearing-in ceremony.
According to the circular, only the appointment of Chief of Staff is permitted at this stage.
However, chairmen who may have already made political appointments beyond the Chief of Staff are instructed to reverse them immediately.
The statement read, “I write to refer to the directive of Mr. Governor at the swearing-in ceremony in respect of the appointment of Political Office Holders in the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas particularly the Supervisors, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.
“I am to reiterate that, the appointment of the Chief of Staff is the only appointment approved/permissible as you assume office, while other appointment should be stepped down until further directive.”
“You are enjoined to note the above and revert any appointment that has been made except the Chief of Staff,” Bolarinwa added.
Similarly, last weekend, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu barred the 57 newly sworn-in local government and Local Council Development Area chairmen from appointing Secretaries to Local Governments and supervisory councillors.
