States Not Implementing LG Autonomy In Nigeria Are Committing Treason – Falana

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has declared that Lagos and other states yet to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy are committing treason.

In a hard-hitting interview, Falana faulted the continued delay in the enforcement of the apex court’s decision, which granted financial autonomy to local government areas across the country.

It would be recalled that in a landmark judgment delivered in 2024, the Supreme Court held that the local government is a constitutionally recognized tier of government. The court affirmed that councils should have full control over their finances without interference from state governments.

The judgment was celebrated by local government chairmen and acknowledged by the federal government, but its implementation remains stalled in most parts of the country.

Speaking to Daily Independent, Falana questioned why the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has not ensured compliance with the ruling.

“Why don’t you call the Attorney-General and ask him, ‘Why have you not complied with the judgment of the court? “Are you not supposed to call the Attorney-General? You should call the Attorney-General, stressing this because any state that does not comply with the ruling is committing treason”, Falana said.

The renowed lawyer insisted that those in authority should be held accountable.

“You can quote me and say that the Attorney-General should be asked to explain why the judgment has not been obeyed. So to me, you’re asking the wrong people”, he added.

The Supreme Court judgment, aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and curbing state interference in council finances, remains a litmus test for constitutional democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.

As pressure mounts, legal experts and civic groups are calling for urgent action to ensure that the rule of law is not undermined by political inaction.