Financial autonomy: Omo-Ekun writes open letter to chairman Ogo-Oluwa LG, warns against betrayal
An indigene of Ogo-Oluwa local government in Oyo state who gave his name simply as “Omo-Ekun” forwarded a letter titled, “Depleting state of Ogo Oluwa Local Government and the marginalization of our people,” to this stable expressing his opinion on the recently granted fiscal autonomy to local government councils, which he said he’s doing on behalf of the “marginalized” people of the council area, in which he pointed out that the rejection of the autonomy by local government chairmen in Oyo state in deference to the wish of the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, amounts to an act of betrayal on the part of Ogo-Oluwa government chairman, Hon Seun Ojo. He warns that the chairman does not own the council but the people do and so should be wary of whom he gives his loyalty to. The letter is reproduced below.
We, the concerned citizens of Ogo Oluwa Local Government, are compelled to address the alarming decline in the state of our community and the growing marginalization of our people under your leadership. The recent actions you have taken in opposition to the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s ruling, which grants financial autonomy to local governments, have sparked grave concern among the residents of Ogo Oluwa.
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The Supreme Court’s decision was a monumental step forward, designed to empower local governments, enhance grassroots development, and ensure that resources are allocated directly for the benefit of the people. However, your rejection of this autonomy, apparently in support of the Oyo State Governor—who played a significant role in your election—has left the people of Ogo Oluwa feeling betrayed. Your actions clearly contradict the will of the people, who expected you to champion their interests, not undermine them.
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It is baffling to us how a local government chairman, particularly one from a region as underdeveloped as Ogo Oluwa, could support actions that hinder our autonomy and retard our community’s development. Your decision raises serious questions: How can you justify sacrificing the progress of your community and allowing the siphoning of local government resources under the guise of loyalty? How do you reconcile these actions with the trust and responsibility bestowed upon you by the people of Ogo Oluwa?
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We want to make it abundantly clear: the Ogo Oluwa Local Government is not your personal property. Your position as chairman is not a license to unilaterally reject financial autonomy that is crucial for the sustainable development of our community. You were elected to serve a term of just three years, and your primary obligation is to the citizens who entrusted you with their vote. Mortgaging the future of Ogo Oluwa’s citizens for political loyalty is unacceptable, and we will not allow it to happen.
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As citizens, we are watching closely as events unfold. We are prepared to take all necessary measures to protect our autonomy and uphold the democratic principles that should guide our local government. The progress and future of Ogo Oluwa cannot be sacrificed for political convenience or personal gain.
Mr. Chairman, we urge you to reconsider your stance. Align your actions with the best interests of the people you were elected to serve. Ogo Oluwa deserves leadership that prioritizes its development and prosperity, not one that undermines it. The people of this local government will not sit idly by while their future is compromised.
This is a call to action, a demand for accountability, and a reminder that your tenure is meant to serve the people. We will fight for the autonomy and democratic values that are vital to the sustainable development of Ogo Oluwa, and we expect you to do the same.
Signed
Omo-Ekun for Concerned Citizens of Ogo Oluwa Local Government
