•The protesters
The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), today, staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, expressing concern over the delayed implementation of the Lagos State Local Government Administrative Law.
The group was received at the Assembly where they presented a position paper containing their demands, reports Daily Independent.
The Law, which was duly passed by the House and assented to by the governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on May 7, 2025, is now scheduled for commencement on August 4, 2025, following a recent Executive Order from the governor.
The group, however, described the delay as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
President of CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, who led the protest, argued that once a law is signed, its implementation is immediately binding, unless otherwise stated in the Law itself.
The organisation warned that any post-assent delay undermines legislative authority, democracy and the rule of law.
In the submitted letter of demands, CHSR urged the Assembly to uphold the sanctity of the legislative process; demand immediate implementation of the Law and rebuff any executive interference that may compromise electoral integrity.
The human rights body also recommended the postponement of the upcoming July 12, 2025 Local Government Elections, should the implementation of the Law remain delayed beyond the newly proposed date.
It therefore called for the constitution of caretaker committees in all the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas to oversee council affairs upon the expiration of current Chairmen’s tenure.
Responding on behalf of the House, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency I, assured the group that its petition had been duly noted and would be forwarded to the appropriate quarters for attention.
“The House has received your memorandum and will look into the issues raised.”
He further assured that due legislative attention will be given.
