Gov Sanwo-Olu bars newly sworn-in local govt chairmen from appointing special advisers, others

The Lagos State Government has directed all recently inaugurated chairmen of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to suspend political appointments, limiting them to only the position of Chief of Staff for now.

The order was contained in a circular dated July 31, 2025, with reference number MLG/LGA/C.27/S./VOL.XIV/496, issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa. The instruction follows a directive given by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the recent swearing-in ceremony.

According to the document, appointments to roles such as Supervisors, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants should be put on hold until further notice.

The circular stated, “I write to refer to the directive of Mr. Governor at the swearing-in ceremony in respect of the appointment of Political Office Holders in the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas particularly the Supervisors, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.

“I am to reiterate that, the appointment of the Chief of Staff is the only appointment approved/permissible as you assume office, while other appointment should be stepped down until further directive.”

Chairmen who have already made appointments beyond the Chief of Staff have been instructed to reverse such decisions.

Bolarinwa further emphasized, “You are enjoined to note the above and revert any appointment that has been made except the Chief of Staff.”

The move follows a similar directive issued last weekend, in which Governor Sanwo-Olu barred the 57 chairmen from naming Secretaries to Local Governments and supervisory councillors.