Court nullifies creation of 33 LCDAs by late Gov Akeredolu’s administration

The Ondo State High Court, sitting in Akure, has annulled the creation of 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. Presiding Justice A.O. Adebusuoye declared that the creation of the LCDAs was unconstitutional and illegal. The court determined that the procedures followed in establishing these LCDAs did not comply with the necessary legal requirements. The administration of the late Governor Akeredolu initiated the creation of the 33 LCDAs to enhance local governance and development. However, the move faced legal challenges, culminating in the recent court decision. Justice Adebusuoye noted that the creation of the LCDAs bypassed critical constitutional processes, rendering the establishment of these local government entities null and void. The judgment reiterated the importance of adhering to the constitution and legal statutes in the creation of any local government areas. The annulment of the LCDAs means that any administrative actions taken by the councils are now invalid. As of now, there has been no official response from the Ondo State Government regarding the court’s ruling.

Ondo Government Declares Public Holidays For Akeredolu’s Burial

In honour of the late Rotimi Akeredolu, former governor of Ondo State, the current governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared Thursday, 22nd, and Friday, 23rd of February 2024, as public holidays.  Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27, 2023, will be laid to rest on Friday in his hometown, Owo. The public holidays aim to enable the people of the state to actively participate in the burial activities.  Commencing last Thursday, the events include traditional rites in Owo on Wednesday, a special court session at the Ondo high court headquarters in Akure, lying in state, and commendation service at the Akure Township Stadium. On Wednesday evening, a tribute ceremony will take place at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Subsequent events include a service of songs and a wake-keep on Thursday at the same church and Maranatha Villa in Owo, respectively. The statement indicates a Candlelight Procession & World Gyration by the Kegites Club on Thursday night, starting from 8 pm until dawn. On Friday, February 23, a public holiday, the funeral service is scheduled at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, at 10 am, followed by interment strictly for immediate family at the burial site in Owo.  A reception at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare Road, Owo, will follow at 1 pm. Saturday, February 24, 2024, will see the Akeredolu Memorial Friendly football match at the Akure Township Stadium, Akure, starting at 3 pm.  The series concludes on Sunday, February 25, with a Thanksgiving Service at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, at 10 am.

Akeredolu Remains Ondo State Governor, Says Tinubu

In a bid to restore calm and political stability in Ondo State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened in the ongoing crisis between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announcing Akeredolu’s continuation as Governor.  The decision came after a high-level meeting with Ondo State stakeholders at the Presidential Villa at the weekend. A statement released by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, clarified the President’s stance, dismissing speculations about the invocation of the doctrine of necessity to appoint Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor.  The Presidency emphasized that Akeredolu retains his position as the state’s Governor, reaffirming Aiyedatiwa’s role as the Deputy Governor. Following extensive negotiations involving the President, representatives of both factions, federal and state lawmakers, and APC officials in Ondo State, Tinubu urged all parties to prioritize peace, fostering commitments toward reconciliation. As a result of these deliberations, Governor Akeredolu will continue as the Chief Executive of Ondo State, maintaining the current administration’s stability.  The announcement also ensures the uninterrupted functions of the State Executive Council, while preserving the leadership of the State’s House of Assembly and the APC Chapter in Ondo State.