The Executive and Legislative arms of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State have agreed to strengthen collaboration through regular meetings and improved information sharing to enhance governance and public service delivery.

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The agreement was reached during an Executive–Legislative Dialogue organised by the African Foundation for Environment and Development (AFED), with funding support from CIVICUS, at the AFED office in Ota.

As part of the resolutions reached, both arms agreed to harmonise their calendars and hold regular joint meetings, either monthly or quarterly. They also agreed to strengthen information sharing on government projects, budget implementation and activities within councillors’ constituencies.

The dialogue brought together members of the Local Government Management Team and the Legislative Council to promote greater understanding, coordination and cooperation between the two arms of government.

The Executive Chairman, Hon. Lawal Adewale Wasiu, FCA, led the Management Team, comprising elected officials, political appointees and Career Officers. The Legislative Council was led by its Deputy Leader and Councillor representing Alapoti Ward, Hon. Lateef Oseni, who represented the Leader of the House.

The session was facilitated by Barrister Ayo Adebusoye and Oghogho Olabisi Florence, who has supported similar engagements involving the Lagos State House of Assembly.

In his welcome address, AFED Executive Director, Adeshola Afariogun, explained that the dialogue formed part of the Community Environmental Justice and Civic Action Labs project, which promotes citizens’ participation, accountable governance and community-led development.

The project began with the selection of 49 women, young people and community leaders from different communities and sectors across Ado-Odo/Ota. They were organised into 10 thematic Citizen Groups and trained in Environmental Justice; Civic Space and Citizens’ Rights; Governance and Participatory Budgeting; and Advocacy and Strategic Communication.

Following the training, AFED facilitated a policy dialogue between the Citizen Groups and the Local Government Management Team. The Executive–Legislative Dialogue was subsequently organised to strengthen coordination between the two arms and prepare legislators for constructive engagement with citizens.

Participants acknowledged that it was the first time such a structured dialogue had been organised among the Executive, Legislature and Career Officers of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government. They described the initiative as an important step towards building trust, improving institutional relationships and creating a sustainable framework for cooperation.

Facilitator, Barrister Ayo Adebusoye, described the forum as an open and honest conversation aimed at improving collaboration among the participants. He highlighted the constitutional importance of citizens’ participation and the role of the legislature in democratic governance.

The safe-space dialogue enabled participants to reflect candidly on institutional relationships, participatory governance, legislative oversight, access to information and communication among the different arms of the Local Government.

Responding, Hon. Lawal thanked AFED and CIVICUS for creating the platform. He acknowledged the complexities of administering a diverse Local Government and emphasised that effective governance required cooperation among the Executive, Legislature, Career Officers and citizens.

He stressed the importance of constructive institutional relationships in ensuring that government programmes and services respond effectively to the needs of residents.

AFED committed to supporting the Local Government through evidence-based training, research and advocacy aimed at strengthening legislative performance and public administration.

In his closing remarks, Afariogun encouraged participants to translate the resolutions reached into sustained institutional practices. He also thanked CIVICUS for funding the dialogue and the wider Community Environmental Justice and Civic Action Labs project.

The dialogue ended with a shared commitment to regular interaction, participatory governance and stronger collaboration for improved service delivery across Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

The initiative advances the guiding principle of the Ado-Odo/Ota Citizens Engagement Platform: “Together We Build Better Communitstyle