The Ondo State Government has filed an objection to the federal government of Nigeria’s legal pursuit of local government autonomy, calling for the Supreme Court to dismiss the case.
This move is in response to the Attorney General of the Federation’s (AGF) lawsuit, which advocates for granting Nigeria’s 774 local governments direct control over their funds and operations.
The federal government’s lawsuit, spearheaded by the AGF, seeks to overhaul the management and financial distribution of local governments, arguing for their direct access to funds from the Federation Account. Ondo State, represented by Attorney General Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, argues that the federal government has no legal standing to file such a suit. Dr. Ajulo described the AGF’s involvement as unwarranted interference in state matters.
The objection hinges on constitutional provisions, with Ondo asserting that the federal government’s claim violates Section 232, which restricts the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction to specific disputes involving legal rights between the federation and states. Ondo contends that local government funding and administration are under state jurisdiction and not subject to federal intervention.
Ondo further emphasizes that, according to the Constitution, states are responsible for local government administration and financial distribution. The state references its existing local government law, which governs local administration and asserts that this legislative framework should prevail over any federal attempts to intervene.
This case, scheduled for a hearing on June 13, underscores a significant federal-state dispute over local governance in Nigeria. The Ondo State Government insists that the federal government’s lawsuit is incompetent and that the Supreme Court should dismiss it in favor of maintaining state authority over local government affairs.
