Exploring Lagos State: A Comprehensive Overview Of Its Governance And Administration

Lagos State is one of the 36 Nigerian States and is located in the country’s South West. It borders Ogun State to the north, the Republic of Benin to the west, and the Bight of Benin to the south. The state is divided into five administrative divisions, which are further subdivided into 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA). All the LCDA in Lagos State are headed by chairmen elected in council polls and sworn in by the governor.

An LCDA is essentially a fourth-tier government placed under the local, state, and federal governments. The LCDAs in Lagos have existed for more than 15 years and paved the way for the creation of more than 700 similar administrative units across Nigeria.

Understanding the structure and function of Lagos State's government is crucial for anyone looking to engage with its administrative processes or learn about its local governance. With a rich history and diverse culture, Lagos plays a pivotal role in Nigeria's socio-economic landscape.

Everything You Need to Know About LCDA in Lagos State

Here is a look at several facts about LCDAs.

What is an LCDA in Nigeria?

A Local Council Development Area (LCDA) is a body created by Nigerian State Governments to pursue state-specific development agendas and administrative convenience. The creation of these units became a contentious issue when it first happened in 2003. However, the country’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of their existence, affirming their role in enhancing local governance and service delivery.

How Many Local Council Development Areas are in Lagos State?

There are 37 LCDAs in Lagos State. Here is a look at all of them and their current chairpersons:

• Agbado-Oke Odo: Oladapo Famuyiwa
• Agboyi Ketu: Oladele Oshinowo
• Apapa Iganmu: Funmilayo Akande
• Ayobo-Ipaja: Bolatito Sobowale
• Badagry West: Henugbe Gbenu
• Bariga: Kolade Alabi
• Coker-Aguda: Rasak Ibrahim
• Egbe-Idimu: Kunle Sanyaolu
• Ejigbo: Monsuru Bello
• Eredo: Ismail Akinloye
• Eti-Osa East: Olufemi Rafiu
• Iba: Yisa Jubril
• Ifelodun: Olufemi Okeowo
• Igando-Ikotun: Lasisi Akinsanya
• Igbogbo Baiyeku: Olusesan Daini
• Ijede: Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba
• Ikorodu North: Banjo Adebisi
• Ikorodu West: Olanrewaju Sulaimon
• Ikosi Ejinrin: Adewale Anomo
• Ikosi/Isheri: Abolanle Bada
• Ikoyi/Obalende: Fuad Atanda-Lawal
• Imota: Kunle Agoro
• Iru, Victoria Island: Rashidat Adu
• Isolo: Adebayo Olasoju
• Itire-Ikate: Olanrewaju Apatira
• Lagos Island East: Alade Folawiyo
• Lekki: Bamidele Kasali
• Mosan-Okunola: Olabisi Adebajo
• Odi-Olowo: Rasaq Ajala
• Ojodu: Olusegun Odunmbaku
• Ojokoro: Hammed Tijani
• Olorunda: Olatunde Folorunso
• Onigbongbo: Oladotun Olakanle
• Oriade: Ramotullau Hassan-Akinola
• Orile Agege: Babatunde Johnson
• Oto Awori: Musbau Ashafa
• Yaba: Kayode Omiyale

Understanding Local Government Areas in Lagos State

The Local Government in Lagos is part of the state’s elaborate administrative and governance structure. Lagos State is divided into five administrative divisions: Badagry Division, Epe Division, Ikeja Division, Ikorodu Division, and Lagos Division. Each division is then subdivided into 20 Local Government Areas, which are further divided into wards.

Here is a list of the Lagos State Local Government areas and their wards. Each area plays a crucial role in local governance, ensuring that residents' needs are met through effective administration.

Badagry Division

This division is located in an area with a diverse cultural mix between the Awori and the Ogu people. Additionally, it is in an international border area with the Republic of Benin. The division consists of four Local Government Areas (LGAs) that contribute to the rich history and cultural landscape of Lagos State.

Badagry Division is widely known as the entry point of Christianity into Nigeria and was a significant slave outpost during the precolonial and colonial eras. Here is a look at the division’s LGAs and their constituent wards:

• Ajeromi-Ifelodun: This LGA has 11 wards; Ago Hausa, Alaba Oro, Awodi-Ora, Layeni, Mosafejo, Ojo Road, Olodi, Temidire I, Temidire II, Tolu, and Wilmer.
• Amuwo-Odofin: There are 12 wards in Amuwo-Odofin, including Amuwo, Amuwo-Odofin Housing Estate, and Mile 2.
• Badagry: This division has 11 constituent wards, including Ajara, Ajido, and Ilogbo-Araromi.
• Ojo: The fourth LGA in Badagry Division has 11 wards, including Ajangbadi and Ijanikin.

Epe Division

The name Epe comes from the popular black ants that were said to have invaded the division’s founder’s homestead. Epe is known for its distinctive rolling hills, sandy beaches, and picturesque Atlantic coastlines, making it one of the most economically important regions in Lagos.

Here’s a look at its two LGAs and their constituent wards:

• Ibeju-Lekki: This LGA has 11 wards, including Ibeju I and Lekki II.
• Epe: This LGA has 19 constituent wards, including Abomiti and Agbowa Ikosi.

Ikeja Division

Ikeja Division is predominantly occupied by the Awori people and serves as the seat of the Lagos State government. It has eight constituent LGAs that host numerous medium and large-scale industries, contributing significantly to the state’s economy.

Here is a look at the eight LGAs in the Ikeja division and their constituent wards:

• Agege: This LGA has 11 wards, including Agbotikuyo and Isale Odo.
• Alimosho: Here are the 11 wards in the Alimosho Local Government Area, including Abule-Egba and Ipaja North.
• Ifako-Ijaiye: This LGA has 11 constituent wards, including Alakuko and Ijaiye/Agbado.
• Ikeja: This LGA has 10 constituent wards, including Adekunle and Ojodu.
• Kosofe: This LGA has 10 constituent wards, including Agboyi I and Ketu