Local Government Experts Gather in Abeokuta as ARHOLGA Hosts First Public Lecture
…Pushes New Agenda for Grassroots Development
By Adenike Olowe
The Association of Retired Heads of Local Government Administration (ARHOLGA), Ogun State Chapter, on Thursday, 20th November 2025, held its maiden Public Lecture at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, an event described by stakeholders as a historic step toward repositioning Local Governments for greater developmental impact.
The well-attended programme was chaired by Hon. (Engr.) Joseph Adegbesan, FNSE, Member, Federal House of Representatives, who praised the foresight of the Association in creating a knowledge-sharing platform capable of influencing policy and strengthening grassroots governance.
“An Idea Whose Time Has Come” — ARHOLGA Chairman
In his welcome address titled “An Idea That Its Time Has Come,” ARHOLGA Chairman, Elder Olorunmbe Aregbesola, recounted how six retired Heads of Local Government Administration first convened in 2016 at the residence of Dr. Bola Aromiwura, under the leadership of Dr. Akin Shogbanmu, to create what later became a fully registered Association on 8 November 2024.
Aregbesola highlighted that the Association was born out of a desire to support reforms that would restore the Local Government system to the vision conceived during the Murtala/Obasanjo reforms, efficient service delivery, grassroots development, and citizen participation.
He stated that ARHOLGA’s mandate includes drafting position papers on critical Local Government issues for the State Government, the Local Government Service Commission, ALGON, and other Administrative Bodies.
“We are here today to navigate how best to make the Local Government more relevant, productive and responsive,” he said. “No State can claim true development without prioritising its Local Government.”
Prof. Sokefun Advocates Stronger Constitutional Backing, Autonomy
The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Justus Adedeji Sokefun, Director, NOUN Study Centre, Abuja, and a distinguished constitutional law scholar. Speaking on the theme, “Impacting Good Governance at the State Government Level Through Local Government Development,” Prof. Sokefun dissected the historical role of Local Governments as engines of democratic inclusion and community development.
He identified key challenges hampering Local Governments in Nigeria, including:
- Ambiguities in the constitutional framework
- Weak financial autonomy
- Excessive political interference
- Poor leadership selection at the community level
Sokefun noted that without genuine reforms, Local Governments cannot effectively serve as training grounds for participatory democracy or drivers of Local economies.
“The timing of this lecture is significant,” he stressed. “National conversations are already shifting toward strengthening Local Governance, and Ogun State must not be left behind.”
Head of Service Reassures Retirees of Government’s Commitment
Responding on behalf of the Ogun State Government, the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Olufemi Onasanya, MNIPR, said the contributions of retired Administrators remain invaluable to the State’s Public Service.
He explained that the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has implemented key interventions to support retirees, including:
- Regular payment of pensions
- Verification of workers under the Contributory Pension Scheme
- Remittance of several months of contributory deductions
- Approval of palliative payments for July–December 2025
- Fresh approvals for accrued pension rights and death benefits
- Ongoing updates to pension regulatory frameworks
“These measures confirm Government’s commitment to pension reform and the welfare of those who have given their best years to Ogun State,” Onasanya said.
He encouraged ARHOLGA to remain engaged, noting their rich institutional memory and advisory capacity.
Goodwill Messages:
“Local Governments Are in Safe Hands”
Prominent stakeholders who delivered goodwill messages included:
Alhaji Wale Ayilara, pioneer Permanent Secretary of Local Government
Hon. Folasade Waliat Adeyemo, PhD, Chairman, Odeda Local Government and ALGON Chairman
Engr. Olanike Olawunmi Ogunbona, FNSE, Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Local Government Service Commission
The Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, MNIPR ably represented by the PS, Bureau of Service Matters, Mr. Oladapo Ogunfowora.
They commended ARHOLGA for its foresight, describing the lecture as a foundation that should be sustained as a policy-shaping mechanism for Local Administration.
Hon. Adeyemo assured Local Government workers that “Ogun Local Governments are in safe and accountable hands,” stressing that ALGON is committed to transparent grassroots governance.
The Permanent Secretary LGSC, Engr Olanike Olawunmi Ogunbona FNSE stated that “Though retired, you remain pillars of governance,” “Your experience is still needed to guide the system you helped build.” Ogunbona added.
A Call for Continued Service, Even in Retirement
Closing the event, Dr. Bola Aromiwura and Alhaji Tayo Sanni both retired HOLGA, expressed deep appreciation to all attendees, describing the inaugural lecture as a “dream fulfilled.”
They thanked God, the Governor of Ogun State, the Chairman of the Occasion and all dignitaries for supporting the vision. Retirees were encouraged to continue contributing to public service, even outside formal office.
In the course of the programme, Mr. Michael Ayodeji who recently retired from the Local Government Service, as Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) was inducated into the Associated.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment by ARHOLGA to institutional strengthening, policy advocacy, and continuous engagement with Government for improved Local Governance in Ogun State.
