Oyo guber: ADC’s Adegoke promises LG autonomy, others

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo, Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, has pledged to strengthen grassroots development through full local government autonomy if elected governor in 2027.

Adegoke also promised to enhance traditional institutions across the state by ensuring the prompt remittance of their statutory five per cent allocation from local government funds.

The ADC candidate made the promises during a visit to Oyo Federal Constituency, comprising Atiba, Afijio, Oyo East and Oyo West Local Government Areas, where he met with party members at the constituency headquarters.

ALSO READ: Thousands protest at Lagos APC secretariat over alleged primary election manipulation

In his welcome address, Mr Muse Abiola described Adegoke as a credible candidate whose track record and achievements had demonstrated his leadership capacity.

He assured the governorship hopeful of the support of party members ahead of the 2027 general election.

Responding, Adegoke, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and Aare Egbe Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, expressed appreciation for the reception accorded him and pledged not to disappoint the people if elected governor.

He described local government autonomy as a progressive policy capable of accelerating development at the grassroots level.

According to him, empowering local government councils with the authority and financial resources to function independently would bring governance closer to the people and improve service delivery.

“I am a strong supporter of local government autonomy because it is the tier of government closest to the people. State governments are often far removed from the grassroots, but local councils understand the immediate needs of their communities.

“If elected local government officials have the authority and resources to act, the people at the grassroots will be the greatest beneficiaries,” he said.

Adegoke noted that projects such as the grading and maintenance of rural roads could be more effectively handled by local councils than by the state government.

He further stated that local government autonomy would strengthen traditional institutions by ensuring the timely payment of their statutory allocations.

The ADC governorship candidate also assured residents that his administration would be guided by the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.

He expressed confidence that the state’s share of the Federation Account was sufficient to drive meaningful development across all parts of Oyo State if properly managed.

Adegoke pledged to deploy his experience as a financial expert to ensure prudent management of public resources and efficient utilisation of government revenue.

He also promised to embark on major infrastructural development projects across the state if elected governor in the 2027 governorship election.