Citizen Takes Local Government Chairman to Court Over Lack of Transparency In Ekiti

A citizen of Ekiti State, Adeoluwa Oyebode, has taken the Chairman of Ikere Local Government to court over the lack of transparency in the governance of the local government. The dispute arose after the unveiling of a newly refurbished gate at the Ikere Local Government Secretariat, which cost was rumoured to be between N15 million and N35 million.

Oyebode, through his lawyer, had requested the Chairman to provide documents on the cost, contract, budget, and audit report under the Ekiti State Freedom of Information Law 2011, but the Chairman failed to respond.

Oyebode has therefore approached the Ekiti State High Court, seeking a declaration of his right to access the financial records of Ikere Local Government, an order for the Chairman to release the documents, and costs for the legal action. He emphasized that governance is a duty, and demanding transparency is a responsibility, not rebellion.

Oyebode stressed that loyalty to party should never override loyalty to the people and to one’s conscience, and that local government chairmen must be held accountable for mismanagement of funds.

The case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in local government administration, particularly with the looming autonomy of local governments.