The Lagos State Local Government Service Commission has clarified the status of the retirement benefits of a former local government administrator, Mr. Michael Odesanya, saying the processing of his entitlements has not been stalled by the non-constitution of the Commission.
The clarification followed a report published by The PUNCH on Sunday, August 9, 2026, titled, “I became executive beggar despite serving Lagos for 30 years – Ex-administrator.”
In a statement signed by the Commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Yejide Omolase, the Commission said it acknowledged Odesanya’s concerns and sympathised with the difficulties he may be experiencing while awaiting his retirement benefits.
According to the Commission, arrangements were made to ensure that retirement cases would continue to receive attention despite the fact that newly nominated members of the Local Government Service Commission are yet to assume office.
It said it obtained approval from the Head of Service to continue processing retirement cases in order to ensure continuity and prevent delays in the settlement of retirees’ entitlements.
The Commission said Odesanya’s retirement case had also been commenced administratively, but the process could not be concluded because some required documents, particularly his bank statement and Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) statement of account, were yet to be submitted.
It explained that retirement files belonging to other officers had continued to be processed under the approval granted by the Head of Service, pending the assumption of duty by the newly nominated members.
“The delay in the conclusion of the processing of his retirement benefits is therefore attributable to the non-submission of the required documents and not to the absence of the members of the Commission,” the statement said.
The Commission maintained that Odesanya had been informed of the documents required to complete his retirement processing and the applicable procedure, but said the outstanding documents were yet to be provided.
It, however, assured retirees that their welfare remained a priority, stressing its commitment to processing retirement matters expeditiously and in accordance with established procedures.
The Commission further acknowledged that some retirees might require their benefits urgently and said it was exploring every legitimate means of ensuring that outstanding retirement matters were concluded promptly.
It assured Odesanya that once he personally obtains and submits the outstanding documents, the Commission will continue processing his retirement benefits in line with the applicable procedures.
The Commission also welcomed The PUNCH’s interest in issues affecting retirees, urging the newspaper to reflect the administrative facts surrounding the case in the interest of fairness, balance and accurate public information.
The statement was dated August 14, 2026.
