The Macpherson Constitution divided Nigeria into regions, and each region was to have its own executive council. These regional executives were responsible for the administration of the regions and played a crucial role in local governance. The creation of regional executives marked a departure from the previous unitary system and introduced a more decentralized approach to governance in Nigeria.

This innovation aimed to address regional diversity and give more autonomy to different parts of the country. Each region had its own executive council with the lieutenant governor as president, and these regional executives were given powers to make decisions on certain matters.