A scholar of public administration, Dr. Ayobami Adesiyan, has decried poor autonomy and weak leadership as major factors undermining the performance of local governments in Nigeria, saying the situation has continued to hinder grassroots development across the country.
Adesiyan made this known on Wednesday during the fourth inaugural and valedictory lecture of the Department of Local Government and Development Studies, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, held at the institution’s Assembly Hall.
Delivering a lecture titled “Leadership and Development: A Reflection on the Nigerian Local Government System,” the don said the present structure of Nigeria’s local government system does not allow councils to function effectively as engines of development.
According to him, although local governments are constitutionally recognised as the tier of government closest to the people, they lack the political and financial independence required to deliver meaningful development.
“While local government is seen as a popular tool of development, the quality of leadership and the design of the institution determine whether its potential can be realised,” he said.
Adesiyan noted that excessive interference from state governments, weak administrative capacity and poor leadership orientation have reduced local councils to mere appendages, incapable of initiating and sustaining development projects.
He added that findings from comparative local government studies revealed that Nigeria’s councils are not properly positioned to discharge their responsibilities efficiently, thereby limiting their impact on socio-economic development.
“My understanding and participation in comparative local government studies show that Nigeria’s local governments are not adequately structured to perform their transformative roles,” he said.
The scholar stressed that without genuine autonomy, accountability and competent leadership, local governments would continue to fall short of public expectations.
He called for comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing financial independence and promoting ethical leadership at the grassroots level.
In his remarks, the Acting Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi, commended Adesiyan for the depth and relevance of his lecture, describing it as timely and enlightening.
“You have comprehensively educated us on how leadership works and the importance of local government in Nigeria,” Lasisi said.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Acting Registrar, Mr. J.A. Ogunjimi; Head of the Department of Local Government and Development Studies, Dr. B.M. Adepoju; Mr. Femi Ipadeola; Mr. Femi Adedokun, and other members of staff and students.
The lecture, which formed part of the institution’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and policy dialogue, also featured the launch of a book and the presentation of gifts to Adesiyan in recognition of his contributions to scholarship and public service.
