Forum 68 Advocates For Local Govt Autonomy, Transparency As Oyo APC Loses 27 Former Council Leaders Since 2019

… As APC seeks unity to reclaim lost ground in future elections

Oyo State’s All Progressives Congress (APC) revealed yesterday that it has lost 27 former local government chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors since 2019.

Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye, former state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, disclosed this during a Forum 68 gathering at ALGON House in Ibadan.

The breakdown of the loss includes four former council chairmen, four vice chairmen, and 19 councillors over the last five years.

Abass-Alesinloye emphasized that Forum 68, comprising 68 ex-LG chairmen, 68 ex-vice chairmen, and 610 councillors, emerged from the need to continue advocating for grassroots development and defend constitutional democracy.

He criticized Governor Seyi Makinde’s dissolution of elected local government officials, which the Supreme Court deemed illegal, unconstitutional, and null and void on May 7, 2021.

The court ordered full payment of salaries and entitlements.

Abass-Alesinloye supports local government autonomy, seeing it as crucial for national development.

However, he urged citizens to participate actively to ensure transparency and accountability.

Acting APC Chairman Olayide Abas called for unity among party members to reclaim lost ground in future elections.

The event drew notable figures, including Senator Ayoade Adeseun and former Speaker Asimiyu Alarape.

This development follows the APC’s recent losses in local council elections, where the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won all 33 chairmanship seats.

The APC had contested the election results, citing irregularities.

The Oyo State Government has since organized induction workshops for the newly elected local government officials.