The 33 local government chairmen in Oyo State have announced their decision to form an association to further the interests of their people.

They disclosed the decision in a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in Ibadan on Saturday.

The communiqué neither named the new association nor clarified if the Oyo LG chairmen are withdrawing from LGs’ umbrella body, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria.

The communiqué signed by the Public Relations Officer for the Oyo LG chairmen, Mr Ibrahim Akintayo, read: “At the general meeting of all the local government councils of Oyo State, held on Saturday, 3rd August 2024, in Ibadan, it was voluntarily agreed and resolved as follows: That to inter alia protect the interest of our people, we should forthwith form an umbrella association.

“Such organisation will be registered under the relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its membership shall be institutional-represented by the chairmen of respective local government councils.

“That the association shall remain committed to the democratic ideas of the system of local government as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“Furthermore, the association shall ensure the delivery of real development in local councils in the overall interest of our people at the local level.”

The chairmen declared support for Governor Seyi Makinde, citing his leadership and achievements since his assumption of office.

The development comes weeks after the judgment of the Supreme Court, affirming the autonomy of local governments.

The apex court gave the verdict in a suit filed by the Federal Government against the 36 states of the federation, demanding autonomy for the 774 LGAs in the country.

The Supreme Court, in its judgment, ruled that allocation due to local government should be sent directly to councils from the Federation Allocation Account Committee.

It also ruled that the state governments lacked the authority to manage federal allocations on behalf of local governments.

Following the judgment, Governor Makinde expressed his displeasure and set up committees to look into it and how to go about it.