Leaders of the four local governments in the Akoko areas of Ondo State have sought the intervention of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the insecurity ravaging the Ondo North senatorial district.
The leaders drawn from Akoko Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast local governments expressed regret that residents have been left vulnerable to banditry and kidnapping, resulting in widespread fear and uncertainty.
The leaders under the auspices of the Akoko Development Group (ADG) asked the government to intervene in the security situation in the council areas before the situation turns to what the nation is witnessing in the northern parts of the country.
Also, the group issued a strong warning to the state government, stating that there is a limit to what it described as growing impunity in governance, particularly in relation to the Akoko region.
The group in a communique expressed deep concern over persistent infrastructural deficits and worsening insecurity across the four local government areas in Akokoland.
Signed by the ADG’s President, Remi Omosowon the group also condemned what it described as the deliberate disobedience of a valid court judgment by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa concerning the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The group recalled that on June 20, 2024, Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye of the Ondo State High Court nullified the establishment of 33 LCDAs created under a 2023 law signed by the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
The court ruled that the LCDAs were unconstitutional, null, and void for failing to comply with Sections 7 and 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and restrained the state government from taking further action on them.
According to the communiqué, leaders from the four Akoko local governments made several attempts to engage Governor Aiyedatiwa, urging him to comply with the court’s ruling.
It noted that the governor had promised to address the issue after the December 2024 gubernatorial election, which he subsequently won.
However, the group expressed disappointment that the promise remains unfulfilled despite follow-up visits, letters, and appeals.
The ADG further said that although the state government filed a notice of appeal, it has failed to diligently pursue the process, describing the move as a tactic to delay justice while continuing actions contrary to the court’s decision.
It listed several actions it considers provocative and unlawful, including the continued funding of the nullified LCDAs with public funds, presentation of the structures to a National Assembly committee for recognition, appointment of chairmen and councillors, and the provision of official vehicles to officials of the disputed councils.
The group maintained that such actions are illegal, unconstitutional, and a direct affront to the rule of law, stressing that no individual is above the Constitution.
It described the governor’s conduct as a deliberate affront to the people of Akoko and a sign of disregard for the judiciary, noting that such actions are unprecedented in the history of Ondo State.
“The gentility of a tiger is not an expression of timidity,” the communiqué stated, signaling the group’s readiness to take decisive action.
Consequently, the ADG announced its decision to return to court to seek fresh orders compelling the governor to comply with his oath of office and strictly adhere to the earlier judgment.
It also placed the governor, as well as the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, on formal notice of its intended legal action.
