Makinde Moves to Conduct Local Government Elections in Oyo State

Indications have emerged that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is preparing to conduct local government elections in the state following the nomination of members of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

Makinde forwarded the names of eight nominees to the Oyo State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The proposed OYSIEC chairman is Isiaka Olagunju, while Adeniyi Afeez, Ganiyat Saka, Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Kunle Agboola, Remi Ayoade, Sunday Falana and Adeojo Elias were nominated as members of the commission.

In his letter to the Assembly, Makinde described the nominees as qualified to oversee and conduct elections into the state’s local government areas based on their records and experience.

The composition of the OYSIEC board had previously been delayed because of litigation involving former local government chairmen who were removed from office.

The legal dispute had created uncertainty around efforts to reorganise the electoral body and proceed with council elections.

Reacting to the development, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, said the conduct of local government elections would help strengthen governance at the grassroots.

He argued that elected councils would make it easier for government programmes and the dividends of democracy to reach communities across the state.

The nomination of the OYSIEC members therefore marked a significant step towards the eventual conduct of local government elections in Oyo State.