By Babatunde Tiamiyu
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Barr Akeem Agbaje, has placed sweeping reforms of Local Governments at the center of his vision for inclusive economic growth, arguing that councils hold the greatest potential to unlock prosperity at the grassroots.
Speaking at a policy engagement with community leaders, market stakeholders, and development advocates, Agbaje described Local Governments as the “foundation of Oyo’s economy and the lifeblood of the grassroots.”
“The Local Government is not just the third tier of government, it is the lifeblood of our grassroots economy. If we empower our councils, we empower our people,” he said.
Agbaje lamented decades of neglect and political interference that have weakened councils, leaving them overdependent on federal allocations with little room to innovate or respond to local challenges. He criticized caretaker arrangements, outdated revenue systems, and high recurrent costs, which he said have hindered effective service delivery. The results, according to him, are visible in poorly maintained feeder roads, neglected markets, and struggling primary healthcare systems.
Drawing from history, Agbaje recalled the era of Native Authorities (NAs), which once functioned as efficient administrative units with strong financial autonomy. Unlike today’s councils, the NAs generated and retained revenue from taxes, licenses, and market fees, enabling them to directly invest in local development. He cited the Ibadan Native Authority as a model, noting landmark projects such as Mapo Hall, the Ibadan Water Supply Scheme, and the establishment of early schools and health centers.
Agbaje argued that meaningful reform must restore financial autonomy to Local Governments, modernize their operations, and strengthen their capacity to deliver. He called for the adoption of digital revenue systems to reduce leakages, as well as innovative public-private partnerships to revitalize markets, motor parks, and waste management.
“Councils must be staffed with well-trained professionals who can manage resources effectively and plan for growth,” he added.
Highlighting the unique strengths of different regions, Agbaje said Oke-Ogun councils could serve as the backbone of agricultural value chains, while councils in Ibadan and Ogbomoso could modernize the vibrant market systems that drive commerce and employment.
“Oyo State cannot achieve sustainable progress while its grassroots institutions remain weak. We must give our Local Governments the tools, the resources, and the independence to serve the people. That is how we build a stronger and more prosperous Oyo,” he declared.
Agbaje concluded that the future of Oyo’s development rests on revitalizing its councils. By unlocking the potential of Local Governments, he affirmed, the state could not only strengthen its economy but also restore trust in governance at the grassroots.