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Full autonomy for the 36 states of the federation would correct structural imbalances evident in the country’s political structure and engender even development across the nation.

Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Governor of Oyo State, made the submission recently at the launching of a book, Grassroots Governance in Perspective: My Experience in Oluyole Local Government, Oyo State. The book was written by Mr. Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, the council’s caretaker chairman.

Governor Ajimobi said while it looks desirable for local councils to be autonomous, even states are not truly autonomous because of the lopsided manner in which federalism is practised in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is not practising true federalism. Even states are not autonomous. But the political leaders must continue to strive to deliver best quality services to our people in order that our country will join the league of the very best nations of the world. Based on this belief, my administration had been striving to transform Oyo State in all ramifications, and would not rest on its oars.”

The national president of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero, commended the author and the other 10 council chairmen in Ibadan, saying “they are the best in the history of council administration in the city, given their dedication and commitment to the cause of Ibadan indigenes.”

He further urged governors to make councils the central focus of their administration, in order not to compromise all the gains of local government reforms that started since 1976, and warned them against using local councils as instruments of political oppression, as practised during the First Republic.

•Photo shows Governor Ajimobi of Oyo State.

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