Governors’ Advisory Councils: Harnessing Experience for Stronger State Governance in Nigeria

L-R: GAC’s chairman, Lagos, Olusi, GAC’s chairman, Ondo state, Akinyelure and GAC’s chairman, Oyo State, Ayorinde

Across Nigeria, a quiet but powerful trend is reshaping the way governors govern—the rise of Governors’ Advisory Councils (GACs). These assemblies of elder statesmen, political heavyweights, and trusted aides may lack constitutional recognition, but their influence on policy direction, governance continuity, and political stability is increasingly undeniable.

Functioning as informal yet strategic think tanks, GACs give governors direct access to decades of institutional memory and political experience. At their best, they provide sober counsel that outlives election cycles, mediate party disputes before they spiral, and guide administrations towards policies that endure beyond a single term.

The Lagos GAC, established in 1999 by then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has become the template for many states. Initially modest in scope, it gained influence after 2007 and has remained a key force through multiple administrations—from the Alliance for Democracy era to the All Progressives Congress dominance.

Today chaired by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, its 30 members include President Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Chief Dele Ajomale, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Hon. James Faleke, and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe. This political brain trust is widely credited with helping Lagos maintain stability and strategic governance across decades, shaping flagship policies in transport, urban renewal, and economic growth.

However, Oyo State’s GAC, as restructured by Governor Seyi Makinde in his second term, offers a distinctive model that blends political expertise with legal precision.

First formed during Makinde’s first term and chaired then by Senator Hosea Agboola, it was overhauled after the 2023 elections to reflect the governor’s renewed focus on systemic governance reform.

The current council is chaired by a former Chairman of Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and member Presidential Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde SAN, OFR—a distinguished lawyer, respected advocate, and one of Nigeria’s foremost Senior Advocates. Known for his meticulous approach to legal and policy issues, Ayorinde brings gravitas, independence of thought, and a commitment to institutional integrity. Under his leadership, the council has become a forum for in-depth legal and strategic analysis, not merely political consultation.

Other members that bring complementary expertise include: Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Senator Gbenga Babalola, Barrister Michael Lana, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye, Senator Kamarudeen Adedibu,, Alhaji Bashir Ajibade, Chief Adewale Atanda, Dr. Aderemi Ayodele, Hon. Abiola Ajaja, Alhaji Rasak Gbadegesin.and Pastor Akinade Alamu. Collectively, they offer experience in lawmaking, litigation, grassroots mobilisation, and public administration.

Makinde envisions the GAC as a vehicle to modernize outdated statutes, close enforcement gaps that weaken investor confidence, and strengthen the rule of law. It has been tasked with advising on urban planning enforcement, environmental regulation, contract integrity, and ensuring regulatory predictability—key elements in building a stable business climate.

In a state known for its vibrant but sometimes fractious politics, the GAC under Ayorinde also serves as a bridge-builder, helping maintain cohesion among diverse political stakeholders while keeping governance priorities in focus.

Ondo State’s GAC is a more recent creation. On August 9, 2025, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa convened the inaugural meeting, appointing Chief Pius Akinyelure as chairman and Hon. Isaac Kekemeke as secretary.

The council aims to harmonise the All Progressives Congress leadership with the state’s governance agenda, preventing policy gridlock and ensuring unity ahead of the 2027 elections. It is also positioned to support reforms in infrastructure, job creation, and rural economic empowerment.

While the benefits of GACs are clear, they are not without critics, who warn of the risk of “shadow governments” operating without public accountability. The antidote is transparency: publishing key recommendations, maintaining open channels with citizens, and bringing in voices from civil society, academia, and the private sector to broaden perspectives.

From the pioneering Lagos model to Oyo’s legal-focused council and Ondo’s party-alignment approach, GACs reflect a growing consensus among governors that structured, experienced advice is invaluable. Operated openly and in the public interest, they can be lasting pillars of state development—partners in governance rather than hidden power centres.

The ultimate measure of a GAC’s success is not the stature of its members, but the real-world improvements it drives in governance, policy continuity, and stability. With the right balance of influence and accountability, Governors’ Advisory Councils could become one of Nigeria’s most effective, if still unofficial, governance tools.