Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has eventually released an official position on the judgement by the Supreme Court, nullifying his sacking of local government teams in the state.
According to him, he is prepared to abide by the letters of the judgement.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, he said the implication of the judgement was that the apex court does not want governors to protect the local government structures.
He said:
“The court also awarded a cost of N20 million and asked the Attorney General of Oyo State to file an affidavit of compliance latest August 7, 2021.
“A similar decision was given against the Government of Katsina State, with the same cost of N20 million awarded against it.
“As far as we are concerned, the Supreme Court, by that judgment, made a policy decision, being a policy court. It was apparently sending a message to states in its attempt to protect elected local government councils.
“Recall that the state government had long before the ruling of the Supreme Court offered to pay the salaries and allowances of the dissolved local government chairmen. The said council chairmen scuttled the bid at the time because they came up with absolute terms, insisting that they must return to the councils with all their aides.
“The government of Oyo State has full respect for the judiciary and the Supreme Court of the land and as a believer in the rule of law, the state will comply with the order to pay the salaries of dissolved local government chairmen.”
