By Ajewole Joshua
_Across Kwara State, local government chairmen appear to have lost their independent voices, choosing instead to echo praises of the governor for even the smallest achievements. From community clean-ups to minor repairs, every effort is now attributed to the state government, leaving citizens to wonder: where is local government autonomy? As Lagos showcases confident, self-driven councils, Kwara’s grassroots governance seems trapped under the weight of political control and fear._
In recent times, the role of local government chairmen in Kwara State appears to have drifted far from what the people expected when they went to the polls to elect them. Rather than functioning as independent leaders delivering governance at the grassroots, many of them have seemingly turned into loudspeakers of praise for the state governor; offering credit for every minor achievement, including activities as trivial as community sanitation or patching of roads.
The disturbing trend has raised serious questions about the much-talked-about local government autonomy and whether it truly exists in Kwara State. Instead of functioning as the closest tier of government to the people, many of the local chairmen now appear to operate under the shadow of the governor, often treating every community project as an extension of the state government’s magnanimity.
Observers argue that this excessive dependence and over-praise have not only weakened the essence of local governance but also diminished the political credibility of the chairmen themselves. The disturbing reality, according to insiders, is that no chairman in Kwara today dares to take independent initiative without seeking clearance or approval from the Government House. Some say even minor administrative steps require consultation or endorsement from above.
This phenomenon has created the impression that the local governments are being run not by elected officials but by caretaker figures under the governor’s remote control. Critics now describe the system as a “disguised caretaker arrangement,” where elected officials behave like appointees struggling to retain favour rather than representatives serving their people.
In contrast, the situation in Lagos State offers a refreshing comparison. Despite the recent elections, local government chairmen there are already showcasing projects, policies, and development efforts with visible confidence and relative autonomy. They communicate achievements directly tied to their offices, reinforcing the principle of decentralized governance and leadership accountability.
In Kwara, however, it seems the reverse is the case. Every borehole, market renovation, or minor infrastructural intervention is branded as the governor’s benevolence. This practice not only undermines the relevance of the local government system but also erodes citizens’ trust in the capacity of their immediate representatives.
The question many are asking now is simple but profound: who truly runs the local governments in Kwara State? If elected chairmen cannot make decisions or take initiatives without fear, how then can they demonstrate leadership, creativity, and responsibility at the grassroots level?
Until this trend changes, Kwara’s local government system may remain a mere extension of the state executive, where elected chairmen operate as praise-singers rather than independent leaders. This is not just a governance concern; it is a democratic setback that calls for urgent reform, honest dialogue, and a return to true local government autonomy.
Ajewole Joshua is a journalist, writer, and social commentator with keen interest in governance and grassroots development.
